The Top-2 seeds in the East Region clash in the Elite Eight on Sunday as the UConn Huskies face the Duke Blue Devils.
UConn has leaned on center Tarris Reed Jr. in the NCAA Tournament, and my March Madness picks are backing him to eclipse his points prop.
I’m also targeting two of the Blue Devils’ top role players with my best Duke vs. UConn player props for March 29.
Duke vs UConn props
| Player | Pick |  |
|---|---|---|
 Dame Sarr |
Over 4.5 rebounds | +130 |
 Tarris Reed Jr. |
Over 13.5 points | -115 |
| Caleb Foster |
Under 0.5 steals | -170 |
Prop #1: Dame Sarr Over 4.5 rebounds
Duke Blue Devils freshman Dame Sarr has emerged as one of the top defenders in the country, and his playing time has surged down the stretch. The wing is averaging 28.7 minutes and 4.7 rebounds per game over the last 15 contests.
Sarr uses his 6-foot-8 frame and athleticism to defend multiple positions and compete on the boards. He pulled down 14 boards over the last two rounds, and the UConn Huskies have struggled on the glass against top-tier rebounding teams.
Prop #2: Tarris Reed Jr. Over 13.5 points
Center Tarris Reed Jr. dropped 20 points against Michigan State’s sturdy frontcourt in the Sweet 16 and delivered an incredible 31-point, 27-rebound performance in the first round.
The senior has taken on an expanded offensive role in big games, scoring 17+ points in UConn’s previous two contests against Big East champion St. John’s. The Blue Devils are also coming off a win over the Johnnies, where they allowed 17 points to big man Zuby Ejiofor.
Duke center Patrick Ngongba II is dealing with a lingering foot injury that has limited him over the last two rounds. With Ngongba at less than full strength, expect Reed to take advantage.
Prop #3: Caleb Foster Under 0.5 steals
Caleb Foster shocked the world when he returned to the floor on Friday, just three weeks after undergoing foot surgery.
The senior guard turned in an efficient 11-point, two-assist performance in 19 minutes. That said, Foster didn’t record a single steal, which isn’t surprising since it’s not a major part of his game. He has tallied just four steals over his last 23 contests.
His minutes will likely be limited, and UConn ranks 67th in the country in steals allowed per game (5.8). Even with Foster's prop juiced to -170, it still has value considering how rarely he swipes the ball.
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
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