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Arkansas vs. UConn 2023 March Madness Sweet 16 Odds and Preview

By Jeff Stinger

A Sweet 16 battle between two programs with formidable defenses is at hand as the Arkansas Razorbacks and the UConn Huskies face off in Las Vegas Thursday. Will Arkansas extend its streak of Elite 8 appearances in the Big Dance, or will it be UConn who’ll reclaim its position as one of the most feared teams in the national tournament?

Nitrobetting is ready to dish out key assists and lob passes with betting tips and news coverage throughout the 2023 March Madness tournament. This time, let’s take a closer look at the upcoming Sweet 16 matchup between the Arkansas Razorbacks and the UConn Huskies along with the latest March Madness odds for this massive 2023 March Madness showdown.

Arkansas vs. UConn 2023 March Madness Sweet 16 Game Information

READ MORE: Michigan State vs. Kansas State 2023 March Madness Sweet 16 Odds and Preview

Why Bet on the Arkansas Razorbacks?

Despite losing four of their last five games before the national tournament, the Arkansas Razorbacks are back terrorizing the entire field at the Big Dance. Head coach and former NBA player, Eric Musselman, has done a fantastic job in Fayetteville, leading the Razorbacks to three consecutive Sweet 16 appearances.

Arkansas also has a shot to make it three straight trips to the Elite 8 with a win Thursday and the team is hot off another one of Musselman’s patented upsets of a No. 1-seeded opponent when it eked out a 72-71 win over the defending champions the Kansas Jayhawks. Junior guard Davonte Davis scored 21 of his 25 points in the second half against Kansas, while Ricky Council IV sank clutch free throws to seal the game late for the Razorbacks.

During the season, Arkansas ranked 15th in adjusted defense per KenPom. The team’s defense will be pitted against another shut-down program in UConn, so it’s up to the likes of Davis and Council to keep their hot shooting form intact to fend off the Huskies.

Why Bet on the UConn Huskies?

Like Arkansas, the UConn Huskies did not live up to their lofty expectations during the regular season. However, March Madness brought the best out of the boys from Connecticut, as fifth-year head coach Dan Hurley has the Huskies back in the Sweet 16 since their title-winning run in 2014.

Star big man Adam Sanogo has been an absolute beast at the Big Dance, averaging 26 points and over 10 rebounds per game in the tournament thus far. Nobody’s been able to stop the third-year player from Mali, as the Huskies have outscored their first two opponents in the tourney by a combined 39 points. Granted, their first two matchups have been against mid-major programs in Iona and Saint Mary’s.

Nevertheless, UConn’s defense is statistically better than Arkansas’ as the Huskies are 4th in adjusted defense per KenPom. With a fantastic balance of offense from their top player and an impenetrable defense through the first two games, the Huskies have the right tools to end the Razorbacks’ enduring March Madness campaign.

Arkansas vs. UConn Betting Trends

  • Arkansas is 8-2 in its last 10 national tournament matchups since 2021 (4-6 ATS).
  • The Razorbacks are 4-3 in their last seven national tourney games as underdogs.
  • The totals went under in each of Arkansas’ last five March Madness outings.
  • UConn is 3-3 in the national tournament since 2016 (SU/ATS).
  • The Huskies are also 3-3 in their last six March Madness games as favorites (SU/ATS).
  • The totals went under in four of UConn’s last five outings at the Big Dance.

Arkansas vs. UConn Expert Prediction

This match is a virtual toss-up with how these two programs with elite defenses have been performing. We’d have to give the edge to UConn considering the imposing dominance of Sanogo at the Big Dance. The Razorbacks will be very competitive until the final buzzer, but the Huskies should prevail and cover the spread with a two-possession victory.

Where to Bet on the 2023 March Madness tournament with Bitcoin

Nitrobetting offers a solid channel for those who want to bet on the College Basketball season with crypto. The power of bitcoin and its lightning-fast transactions make your March Madness betting more enjoyable.

This is just one of the many sports betting guides that you can read here at Nitrobetting news. Stay tuned for more 2023 March Madness previews and articles, and don’t forget to check out the latest college basketball betting odds on our online bitcoin sportsbook.

*All odds stated are subject to change without prior notice.