UConn/St Johns

UConn ML (-160)

This line opened at -190 made its way down to -160 where I took it last night as as of now (8:30 AM) the line is sitting at -155. The reason this line is so low is due to the status of Alex Karaban who is a game time decision this morning. This is huge, Karaban averages 14.5 PPG and 5.8 RPG. He has scored 10+ points in the L7 games, and in 17 of 20 games in the year. He is a massive part of their offense and I know it may not be that big of a deal playing a 13-8 St Johns team but anything can happen in college hoops especially on the road at Madison Square Garden.

Karabans status does not matter in my opinion, obviously I would love to have him in the lineup but I think this UConn team is way too good to only be a 3 point favorite against St Johns. The Johnnies have lost 4 of their L5 and now face a Huskies team that has won 9 straight and is rolling. During that 9 game win streak UConn has put scored opponents by 125 points, they have been on another level in 2024.

Something else I also want to note is in the matchup against St Johns on 12/23 Karaban started but only scored 9 points on 3-8 from the field. Newton and Spencer stepped up with 15 points each, something they will need to do again today. UConn has depth and I think that is what will shine today if Karaban is unable to go. Not including Karaban UConn has 4 starters who average 10+, Clingan (12.8 PPG), Castle (10.3 PPG), Newton (15.8 PPG) and Spencer (14.9 PPG). End of story I think UConn is way too good and in too good of form to be favored but just a bucket even if Karaban can’t go. GL, this line will move a ton if Karaban is playing so keep up with the news and make a move fast.