I’ve always had a soft spot for ‘90s basketball — from retro Jordans and Shaq Attacks to classic Nike throwbacks. That same nostalgia hits with today's Elite Eight matchup between the Duke Blue Devils and UConn Huskies, two programs that defined that era.
My Duke vs. UConn predictions focus on Alex Karaban, who has been the motor of Dan Hurley's offense.
Find out more in my March Madness picks for March 29.
- UPDATE: Added prediction for who will win.
Duke vs UConn prediction
Who will win Duke vs UConn?
Duke: I have the Duke Blue Devils advancing to the Final Four in the bracket, bringing a little more to the table than the UConn Huskies. Game models all stamp the Dukies’ ticket to Indianapolis, with talent winning out over experience in the end.
Duke vs UConn best bet: Alex Karaban Over 12.5 points (-120)
Alex Karaban is on a tear in the tourney, putting up point totals of 17, 22, and 27. He’s the most active member of the UConn Huskies attack, constantly moving without the basketball in this half-court motion.
Duke has tough decisions to make on defense regarding Karaban. His frantic pace is a lot for any defender, especially on the tight turnaround of the Elite Eight.
The Duke Blue Devils will likely go with Cameron Boozer, but he’s not an elite on-ball defender, and they must be careful not to run his tires bald. Should Duke go to zone, Karaban will let it fly from deep.
COVERS INTEL: Alex Karaban is 11-for-28 from beyond the arc in the NCAA Tournament (44%). So far in the Big Dance, Duke has allowed 44% of its opponents' points to come from 3-pointers, including 13 triples from St. John’s.
Duke vs UConn same-game parlay
Duke continues to show resilience despite limited experience, taking its opponents’ best and countering in the second half. The Blue Devils are only getting stronger, with Patrick Ngongba and Caleb Foster back in the lineup.
As much as Karaban is a bad matchup for Duke, Cameron Boozer is a big problem for the Huskies. His ability to play away from the rim while also dominate inside and get to the foul line forces UConn to either roll out a slower Tarris Reed or a smaller Karaban to cover.
Duke vs UConn SGP
- Duke moneyline
- Alex Karaban Over 12.5 points
- Cameron Boozer Over 21.5 points
Our Big Dance SGP: All the stars shine
The stars shine brightest on the big stage with Karaban and Boozer presenting matchup issues on offense. While I do have Duke advancing, basketball bettors are in for another tight finish and game projections sit at 136 collective points or higher.
Duke vs UConn SGP
- UConn +5
- Over 134
- Alex Karaban Over 12.5 points
- Cameron Boozer Over 21.5 points
Duke vs UConn odds
- Spread: Duke -5 (-110) | UConn +5 (-110)
- Moneyline: Duke +180 | UConn -220
- Over/Under: Over 134 (-110) | Under 134 (-110)
Check out our full March Madness odds for more.
Duke vs UConn betting trend to know
This is the first time all season that UConn has been a betting underdog. The Huskies are 7-4 ATS as rare pups over the past four years. Find more college basketball betting trends for Duke vs. UConn.
How to watch Duke vs UConn
| Location | Capital One Arena, Washington, D.C. |
| Date | Sunday, March 29, 2026 |
| Tip-off | 5:05 p.m. ET |
| TV | CBS |
Duke vs UConn key injuries
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
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