Creighton vs UConn Odds, Picks and Predictions: Huskies Offense Still Mush?

The Creighton Bluejays and UConn Huskies square off in a Big East conference showdown at the Harry A. Gampel Pavilion in Storrs, Conn. on Saturday.

While the Huskies are ranked inside the Top 25 in the major polls, the Bluejays actually have a better conference record at 3-1.

Creighton has won the past three games overall, all conference games, while UConn is on a two-game slide, both inside the Big East.

Will the Bluejays hold down the Huskies, or will UConn be able to emerge from its nosedive and get back on track? We’ll discuss in our college basketball picks and predictions for Creighton vs. UConn on Saturday, January 7.

Creighton vs UConn best odds

Creighton vs UConn picks and predictions

The Huskies fired out to a 14-0 SU record and a No. 2 ranking in The Associated Press’ Top 25 poll before falling at Xavier on New Year’s Eve. UConn also slipped 73-61 at Providence on January 4 in its first game of the 2023 calendar year.

In fact, the 61 points scored by the Huskies in the most recent loss represents a season low, as UConn shot just 37% (23-for-63) from the field, including a dismal 23% (5-for-22) from behind the 3-point line. To make matters worse, Connecticut was an awful 53% (10-for-19) from the free-throw line.

To UConn’s credit, it turned the ball over just eight times against Providence, and it was even in rebounds and turnovers with the Friars. The difference was the 3-point shooting and free-throw shooting, which could go back up, especially at home.

Creighton has been the most Jekyll and Hyde team during the early going. It won the first six games, including nice Ws over Texas Tech and Arkansas. The Bluejays then lost six in a row, including the conference opener at Marquette on December 16. It’s back on an upward trajectory, as Creighton has won the past three games, going for 78 or more points in each outing.

Since joining the Big East, Creighton has won all five meetings in this series, including covers in each of the past three. This is, easily, the best UConn team the Bluejays have ever faced, but they’re also catching the Huskies on a two-game skid. As such, back Creighton catching the points, as UConn might win, but the margin is a tall order.

The Huskies are skidding, losing and failing to cover the past two outings. While the offense wasn’t terrible on NYE at Xavier, UConn hit rock bottom in the Providence game. It has now failed to cover each of the past four games overall, including home wins over Georgetown and Villanova.

My best bet: Creighton +6.5 (-110 at DraftKings)

Creighton vs UConn spread analysis

Creighton was one of the better bets earlier in the season, opening 6-2 ATS in the first eight games, including a 5-0 ATS run from November 17 through December 1. It then failed to cover four in a row during the lengthy losing streak, although it now appears to be back on track.

The Bluejays have covered two of the past three games, each inside the conference, although they did fail to cover a 3.5-point number in a 69-58 loss at Marquette on December 16, so there is some concern here.

As a single-digit favorite, UConn is 0-2 ATS in the past two instances, while going 0-4 ATS in the past four games following a straight-up loss and 0-4 ATS in the past four following a non-cover.

Creighton, on the other hand, is 5-1 ATS in the past six following an SU win, 7-2 ATS in the past nine on the road, and a whopping 22-8 ATS in the past 30 games against teams with a winning overall record.

Creighton vs UConn Over/Under analysis

The Bluejays have been so-so on offense this season, connecting for 77.1 PPG. When this offense is on, it’s on, led by the Ryans. C Ryan Kalkbrenner is a beast down low, going for 15.3 PPG and 7.0 RPG, while swatting shots at a 1.9 BPG clip. G Ryan Nembhard is tremendous running the point with 11.5 PPG and 5.8 APG, while hitting his free throws at a team-best 83.3% clip.

Creighton has outstanding starters, with all five averaging 11.5 PPG or better. It’s when there is foul trouble, or injury trouble, where the team’s lack of depth shows, and the offensive falloff is precipitous.

UConn has rolled up 80.9 PPG, and as mentioned above, it leaves a lot of points on the floor at the free-throw line. It hits just 73.4%, which can be maddening to bettors, especially those plopping down money on the Over.

Still, the Over is 3-1 in the past four games overall for UConn, as the defense has let up a little. This Huskies team still allows 61.5 PPG overall, and it’s 3-point defense (28.2%) is among the best in the nation. But in the past two losses, it’s allowing 78.0 PPG.

The Over is 6-2-1 in the past nine for Creighton after a SU win, 9-4 in UConn’s past 13 games overall, and 4-0 in the past four games at home. Look for Creighton to keep it close and play the Over for a nice parlay opportunity.

Creighton vs UConn betting trend to know

Creighton is 8-3-1 ATS in the past 12 games following a cover in its previous outing, while UConn is 0-4 ATS in the past four following a non-cover last time out. Find more College basketball betting trends for Creighton vs. UConn.

Creighton vs UConn game info

Creighton vs UConn key injuries

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