@SidekicksPicks CBB Bet of the Day - 2/8

Marquette travels to UConn for a 6:30 p.m. tip for one of the best matchups in tonight’s college basketball slate. Both teams are having terrific seasons and are top tiered teams in the Big East. This will be their second time facing off this season. UConn was victorious in their first matchup at Marquette, winning 78-70.

Marquette enters tonight’s game with a 16-7 record, 4-3 on the road. They currently are 3rd in the Big East with an 8-4 record. Marquette got off to a slow start going 0-3 in the Big East. Since then, they have won 8 of their last 9 games. Their only loss in that span was at Providence, which has been one of the toughest places to win this season.

They are currently the only team to have beaten Providence in the Big East. They hold quality wins over Providence, Illinois, West Virginia, Kansas St., Seton Hall twice, Villanova twice, and Xavier. Marquette has played the 7th toughest schedule this season. According to Kenpom, Marquette is ranked 23rd, 59th in overall adjusted offensive efficiency, and 26th in adjusted defensive efficiency.

UConn is 15-6, 9-2 at home. They currently are 4th in the Big East with a 6-4 conference record.They are currently on a two game losing streak and 3-2 in their last 5 home games. UConn holds quality wins over Auburn and Marquette.

UConn is ranked 18th in the country and has played the 60th toughest schedule. UConn’s strength is their defense, which is no surprise for a Dan Hurley coached team.

• Marquette is 6-1 ats on the road (6-0 ats in their last 6 road games)
• Marquette is 9-1 ats in their last 10 games
• Marquette is 8-0 ats in their last 8 games following an ats win
• Marquette is 7-0 ats in their last 7 games following a win
• Marquette is 7-0 ats in their last 7 games as an underdog (5-0 ats as a road underdog)
• UConn is 5-6 ats at home
• UConn is 5-5 ats in their last 10 games

Marquette is playing at an extremely high level right now. They have beaten top tiered teams and have an impressive record given their strength of schedule. Even though their road record isn’t great, they have proven that they can cover on the road. UConn has had back to back losses and have struggles their last 5 games at home.

I think Dan Hurley and company can grind out a win at home, but +6.5 points is too much in this matchup. Marquette will do whatever it takes to keep this close and will seek revenge to try and split the series.