Harvard Crimson at Connecticut Huskies
December 22nd, 2010 at 7:00 PM EST
Opening Line: Connecticut -13.5
Current Line: Connecticut -12.5
Opening Total: 142
Current Total: 142
Opening Moneyline: Conn. -1100 / Harvard +750
Current Moneyline: Conn. -1040 / Harvard +760
Tonight’s game brings together a decent 7-2 Harvard team (first in the Ivy League) against the undefeated 9-0 Connecticut Huskies, who sit atop the standings of the Big East. Harvard has won their last two games against Boston University and Worcester Tech, but faces a much tougher challenge in Connecticut. Connecticut won their last game against Coppin State by 10, but college basketball oddsmakers have set the line decisively in favor of Connecticut tonight with an opening spread of 12.5
Both teams sport positive point differentials. Harvard is +9.6, scoring 72.1 a game and giving up 62.6 a game; while UCONN is scoring 79.4 (31st best in the nation) and giving up 63.6. UCONN is also the fourth best rebounding team in the nation with 44.0 rebounds per game.
Harvard has lost 4 of their past 6 road games, and Connecticut has won all five of their past five home games. Harvard is 3-0 ATS this year and UCONN is also 3-0 ATS this year.
Harvard is led by the duo of Christian Webster and Keith Wright, who together account for 32.3 points, 44% of Harvard’s output. Webster is a 6’5″ sophomore guard who has a deadly outside shot (40% from three; 22 of 55) and a good penetration game as well. In a 6 point win against Mercer on November 20th, Webster went for 29 points, attempting 15 free throws. If he can get to the paint like that tonight against the Huskies, he will go a long way towards helping Harvard cover the spread. Keith Wright is Harvard’s second biggest player (Andrew Van Nest is 6’10”) at 6’8″ and leads them in rebounding with 8.8 boards a game to go with his 15.7 points per night. He has already notched four double doubles this year, including a 22 point 16 rebound game in an opening night loss to George Mason. The Crimson will look to get it to Wright down low to attempt to get UCONN’s big men into foul trouble, which would obviously be to the Crimson’s advantage.
Connecticut is led by outstanding 6’1″ junior guard Kemba Walker. Walker can do a bit of everything and is a marksman, shooting 41.5% from three (22 of 53). He’s averaging 27.2 a game and can seemingly do no wrong this year, as he is averaging nearly double his output from last season. He’s scored 30 or more in 4 of the Huskies’ 9 games, including a 42 point outburst in a 16 point win over Vermont. He plays 34 minutes a game and Harvard really doesn’t have anyone to challenge him defensively. 6’9″ sophomore center Alex Oriakhi has impressed this year, as well, averaging a double double (11.4 ppg and 10.0 rpg), shooting 56% from the floor. He is a good shotblocker, swatting away 2.4 shots a night and will keep the paint protected from any Harvard penetrators. He solidifies an already strong Husky defense and is a threat downlow at all times. He should have a good shot at containing, if not shutting down, Keith Wright in tonight’s game.
