You might not need a cup of coffee to stay awake for a late tipoff between the No. 2 UConn Huskies and No. 15 Furman Paladins. Just a tall glass of Cooper Bowser will do.
The Paladins' 6-foot-11 forward is an electric finisher, throwing down the eighth most dunks in the country.
Bowser's return from a turf toe injury in February jump-started the offense, lifting Furman among the most efficient attacks in the land and anchoring its Southern Conference title run and spot in the Round of 64.
My Furman vs. UConn predictions see no fear in Bowser against the mighty Huskies, and our March Madness picks take him to top his scoring prop on Friday, March 20.
Furman vs UConn prediction
Who will win Furman vs UConn?
UConn: The Huskies are monster favorites over the Paladins, and head coach Dan Hurley doesn’t go easy — no matter which round of the tournament it is.
Projections bounce between 18 and 21 points in favor of Connecticut.
Furman vs UConn best bet: Cooper Bowser Over 11.5 points (-112)
The UConn Huskies may seem like a tall task for Cooper Bowser, especially with shot swatter Tarris Reed patrolling the paint.
However, the Furman Paladins' half-court offense starts with Bowser at the top of the circle, setting on-ball screens and moving a lot without the basketball.
Bowser's recent output was tempered due to lineup changes, with the Paladins going smaller in the conference tournament. He scored 14 points in 24 minutes in each of the first two games before striking for 21 in 30 minutes in the final.
He’s tallied 12 + points in 14 of his last 17 games and is projected for 13 points on Friday.
COVERS INTEL: Bowser has logged 30+ minutes just six times since returning from injury, and he's averaged 16.7 points per game in those contests. He’ll play major minutes vs. UConn.
Furman vs UConn same-game parlay
Since 2011, NCAA Tournament games with a spread of -20 or higher and a total of 137.5 or lower have produced a 15-8 Over/Under result (65% Overs).
Alex Karaban is a tough draw for Furman. He’s a big body who can stretch the floor with his 3-point shooting.
Karaban's been exceptionally busy from the outside lately, attempting at least five triples in five straight games.
Furman vs UConn SGP
- Over 136.5
- Cooper Bowser Over 11.5 points
- Alex Karaban Over 1.5 threes
Our Big Dance SGP: Rim Run-Ins
Cue the “Rocky” theme.
Philadelphia is the perfect stage for a few heavyweight bouts above the rim when Bowser and Reed meet in the paint.
Bowser is active in the pick-and-roll and draws defenders away from the rim. These big men will go blow for blow, trading dunks and blocks.
Furman vs UConn SGP
- Furman +20.5
- Cooper Bowser Over 11.5 points
- Cooper Bowser Over 0.5 blocks
- Tarris Reed Jr. Over 14.5 points
- Tarris Reed Jr. Over 1.5 blocks
Furman vs UConn odds
- Spread: Furman +20.5 (-110) | UConn -20.5 (-110)
- Moneyline: Furman +1200 | UConn -5000
- Over/Under: Over 136.5 (-110) | Under 136.5 (-110)
Furman vs UConn betting trend to know
UConn has gone Over the total in 10 of its last 15 games (+4.50 Units / 27% ROI). Find more college basketball betting trends for Furman vs. UConn.
How to watch Furman vs UConn
| Location | Xfinity Mobile Arena, Philadelphia, PA |
| Date | Friday, March 20, 2026 |
| Tip-off | 10:00 p.m. ET |
| TV | TBS |
Furman 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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