Louisville Connecticut Betting – Cardinals Need To Improve In New England
The Louisville Cardinals got into the 2010 NCAA Tournament because of a big road win in conference competition. They might need a similar conquest to return to the Big Dance.
NCAA basketball betting: Louisville Cardinals @ Connecticut Huskies
Why To Bet On Louisville
In various Super Bowl betting scenarios, motivation and history are bound to enter the conversation at some point in time. The Pittsburgh Steelers have a habit of winning Super Bowls. They make the plays they need to make on the big stage – they’re 6-1 in seven Super Bowl appearances. They just win.
In a similar vein, the Louisville Cardinals – under head coach Rick Pitino – make NCAA Tournaments. This is a brand-name program from a basketball-crazy state that regularly finds its way into America’s favorite bracketed tournament. In some years, Louisville makes a run at the brass ring. In other seasons, the Cards get decked in the first round. The point, though, is that Louisville gets there.
Last season, however, there were definite doubts about UL’s chances. The team wound up losing a double-digit amount of games and got roughed up repeatedly within the Big East Conference. The team’s proliferation of losses put it near the NCAA bubble, that well-known dividing line between an at-large berth and a spot in the National Invitation Tournament. How did Louisville make the field? UL scored huge wins, especially a road triumph at Syracuse. That unexpected victory came against a Syracuse team that was dwelling in the top 10 of the national rankings… just like the Connecticut Huskies this season. Louisville isn’t expected to win this game, but the Cardinals have made a habit out of pulling off these kinds of upsets. They expect to make the NCAA Tournament, and a win here is exactly what Louisville needs to do just that. History suggests UL has a very legitimate chance in this game.
Why To Bet On Connecticut
The sports betting universe owns some peculiarities, but sometimes, the obvious pick is the smart pick. Louisville isn’t as deep or as talented as it used to be; the Cardinals – who barely reached the 2010 NCAA Tournament – are probably going to be on or near the bubble into the month of March. Louisville doesn’t score all that much, and the Cards frequently struggle in their halfcourt sets. If they don’t get cheap baskets on steals and fast breaks, they’re in trouble. Connecticut, however, is a strong defensive team, for one thing. The Huskies held a high-powered Villanova team under 60 points this season, and they bottled up Tennessee on Jan. 22 in a convincing non-conference victory. Moreover, point guard Kemba Walker is very strong with the ball. Louisville might limit his ability to shoot well from the perimeter, but Walker is highly unlikely to commit a lot of turnovers. Connecticut probably won’t allow Louisville to get the easy baskets it needs. The Huskies should shut down the Cardinals with their defense.
How The Game Will Play Out
The online betting skinny is simple: Unless Connecticut turns the ball over a lot and allows Louisville to run the floor on a consistent basis, this game should get ugly. UConn has more power, size and agility, especially near the rim and even more particularly on defense. Louisville has no place to turn to in this contest. Connecticut will either win it or lose it. The verdict is that Connecticut will win.
Louisville Connecticut Betting Pick: Connecticut
