2023 NCAA Men’s National Championship Odds & Betting Preview

The 2023 NCAA Men’s Basketball National Championship is set for Monday night in Houston with a showdown between underdog San Diego State and blue-blood UConn.

2023 NCAA Men’s National Championship Preview

The Aztecs have not played like underdogs in this tournament despite all of the conventions that this program does not fit. No top-100 recruits, no previous Final Four appearances, no team from its conference ever making it to the championship game. None of that has stopped San Diego State from making history.

UConn has been simply dominant every step of the way in the tournament. The Huskies are no strangers to this stage, though it has been just short of a decade since a UConn team has hoisted the National Championship. This team was overlooked with so many other stellar teams in the field, even in its bracket. It is clear that this team has been playing the best basketball of any men’s team in the nation for the past 3 weeks.

We have expert predictions for the National Championship game between San Diego State and UConn with advice for your spread, total and moneyline bets. Make your March memorable by wagering on the tournament, including live games and futures at JazzSports.

2023 NCAA Men’s National Championship – San Diego State vs UConn

Monday, April 3

Spread: SDSU +7.5 (-110); UConn -7.5 (-110)

Moneyline: SDSU +296, UConn -380

Total: Over 132 (-110); Under 132 (-110)

History in the making

One of these teams is about to make history. For UConn, a National Championship would add to its storied history, notching a fifth title. As for San Diego State, it would be a first championship not only for the program but for the entire Mountain West.

The Aztecs had never even appeared in the Elite 8 until this season. They certainly look like they have been here before though. After such an amazing run in the tournament, the program is about to write another chapter in its book regardless of Monday’s outcome. It is likely to weigh an invitation to the Pac 12 which could help cement its place in the national consciousness. Whether the invitation is made is yet to be seen.

UConn does not have to convince anybody what type of program it is. It has won 4 titles since 1999, churned out multiple everlasting moments in National Championship games and produced excellent players. This championship would add a new crop of players and coach Dan Hurley among other UConn greats.

What kind of game to expect

If play styles hold to form we can expect San Diego State to try and keep the pace of this game under control, which UConn is more than prepared for. Both of these teams are excellent defensively, ranking near the top in college basketball in efficiency and points allowed. They defend the 3-point line, lock down the paint and control the boards.

While both teams can certainly defend in the half court and in transition, 1 is far more fluid offensively. That would be UConn. The Huskies have a roughly 20-10 advantage on assists over the Aztecs and post a 2:1 assist to turnover ratio compared to SDSU’s nearly 1:1 ratio. The Huskies will push this pace slightly more uptempo than San Diego State is normally comfortable with. The Aztecs are flexible but this is a tall task.

Together these teams are averaging about 146 points per game in the tournament. It will not be that high scoring of a game but they will get up and down enough to go over 132 points.

Can anyone match up with Sanogo

If there is 1 player that will have the biggest impact on Monday’s game it’s UConn’s Adama Sanogo. The Huskies’ big man was dominant in the semifinal game, shooting better than 80 percent for 21 points and 10 rebounds. He was unguardable in that game and could not be stopped on the glass.

Sanogo was not just dominant for 1 game. This has been his trend since putting 28 points and 13 boards on Iona. He is averaging more than 20 points and 68 percent shooting in the tournament, tallying about 10 rebounds per game.

Stopping Sanogo is not an option. At least not 1-on-1. The Aztecs do not have the kind of player who can body up and knock him off the glass. The duo of Nathan Mensah and Keshad Johnson should split time on Sanogo, possibly with help. The danger there is that UConn has been shooting the lights out from the perimeter. The Aztecs’ defense on the 3-point line has been predicated by discipline and quick rotations. But with UConn’s ability to move the ball and hit contested shots will certainly wear down any defense.

If by chance the Aztecs can match Sanogo, this is a close game. If not, the Huskies will cruise to another dominant win.

2023 NCAA Men’s National Championship Prediction

The Huskies just improved to 5-0 against the spread in the tournament on Saturday, disrupting Miami’s defense completely for a double-digit victory. The Canes shot just 32 percent in that game, while UConn hit nearly 49 percent.

The Aztecs failed to cover for the first time in the last 5 games on Saturday. It was not the team’s best defensive effort, giving up 44 percent from the field and 40 percent from 3.

The Huskies have won by double digits in each of their last 5 games. The -7.5 spread is heavy for a National Championship game but this team is really clicking right now. Sanogo is again going to make his imprint on the offensive end and finish things defensively. The Huskies will crack that Aztec defense and cruise to a fifth National Championship, covering the spread and winning outright.

Sign-up now and get a 50% Welcome Bonus and keep up with our sports news, game previews, and the latest 2023 March Madness Odds.

Follow us on Social Media for Instant 2023 NCAA National Championship Odds News, Highlights & More.

[fusion_social_links blogger=»4″ deviantart=»» discord=»» digg=»» dribbble=»» dropbox=»» facebook=»https://www.facebook.com/sportsoddsnnews» flickr=»» forrst=»» instagram=»https://www.instagram.com/oddsandnews» linkedin=»» myspace=»» paypal=»» pinterest=»» reddit=»» rss=»» skype=»» soundcloud=»» spotify=»» tiktok=»https://www.tiktok.com/@oddsnnews» tumblr=»» twitch=»» twitter=»https://twitter.com/OddsnNews» vimeo=»» vk=»» wechat=»» whatsapp=»» xing=»» yahoo=»» yelp=»» youtube=»https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5pgErhq3Df4iCnOVvHSrJg» email=»» phone=»» show_custom=»no» hide_on_mobile=»small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility» sticky_display=»normal,sticky» class=»» id=»» font_size=»20px» icons_boxed=»yes» icons_boxed_radius=»» color_type=»brand» icon_colors=»»box_colors=»» tooltip_placement=»» alignment=»left»][/fusion_social_links]