Purdue vs. UConn Player Props & Prediction: Clingan X-Factor in Men’s National Championship
The Purdue Boilermakers are aiming to cause an upset against the favored UConn Huskies in the upcoming March Madness championship on Monday. We have selected our top player props for the Purdue vs. UConn matchup based on the latest March Madness odds.
The highly anticipated March Madness showdown begins at 9:20 p.m. ET on Monday, featuring the top-seeded UConn Huskies (36-3) going head-to-head against the Purdue Boilermakers (34-4) in the national championship game at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Ariz. The Huskies are favored by 6.5 points on the top sports betting platforms to secure their second consecutive title.
Although the matchup offers numerous intriguing storylines, the focus will undoubtedly be on Purdue’s Zach Edey, the current frontrunner for the Wooden Award, as he goes head-to-head with UConn’s Donovan Clingan, the top pick for March Madness MVP according to many of the top sports betting apps.
Their teamwork has propelled their team to the championship game on Monday, and their fierce battle in the paint is reminiscent of Godzilla vs. King Kong. This sets the stage for an exciting matchup in the title game – but who will come out on top, the two stars are left to determine.
In addition to our predictions for the Purdue vs. UConn game and expert picks for the men’s national championship, as well as player props for Zach Edey, we are sharing our top player props for the Purdue vs. UConn matchup. These odds are from our top March Madness betting sites, and our confidence in each pick is rated on a scale of 1 to 5 stars.
Purdue vs. UConn player props
Zach Edey Under 37.5 points + rebounds ⭐⭐⭐⭐
FanDuel offers the best odds at -111.
Throughout the season, Edey, standing at 7-4 and weighing 300 lbs, has consistently utilized his size advantage to overpower defenders in the paint and effortlessly grab rebounds. This dominance was on display during the regular season, ultimately leading to Edey securing his second consecutive Naismith Award as the most dominant player in college basketball.
After a lackluster showing in the NCAA Tournament with only 32 points and rebounds combined against NC State, Edey is now gearing up to take on his most challenging opponent yet. Clingan, also known as “Cling Kong” due to his massive size at 7-foot-2, 280 pounds, is the ideal player to put a stop to Edey’s scoring and rebounding dominance.
Clingan leads UConn to fourth in the nation in adjusted defensive efficiency according to KenPom, allowing the seventh-fewest rebounds per game to opponents (30.2). This could pose a challenge for Edey as Clingan’s scoring ability (16.2 PPG in the NCAA Tournament) may put additional pressure on the Boilermakers star on defense.
DraftKings has the same prop set at 36.5 with the Under at -125, but FanDuel’s line offers better value. With -125 odds, there is a 55.56% probability it will hit, according to our calculator. At -111, a $10 bet on FanDuel would lead to a $9.01 profit.
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Donovan Clingan Over 0.5 steals ⭐⭐⭐
Top odds: +105 available on DraftKings
The spotlight will be on Edey and Clingan in the national championship game. It’s a showdown between the top player in college basketball and one of the top prospects for the 2024 NBA Draft, both of whom have imposing physical builds. Edey is known for his scoring ability, but his tendency to commit turnovers due to his reliance on power over finesse could leave him vulnerable to Clingan’s defensive skills.
According to Evan Miya, the UConn center is considered the top defender in the nation by DBPR. Although he is recognized for his shot-blocking abilities more than his finesse, he has demonstrated the ability to force turnovers through steals. Edey, who averages 2.3 turnovers per game and recently had five turnovers against the Wolfpack, is expected to be targeted by Clingan for at least one steal.
This season, he is averaging 0.5 steals per game and has recorded at least one steal in three out of five March Madness games. In the NCAA Tournament, he is averaging 1.0 steal per game. With +105 odds at DraftKings, a $10 bet would result in a $10.50 profit if the Over hits. These odds imply a 48.78% chance of success.
Tristen Newton Over 5.5 assists ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Bet365 offers the best odds at -115.
While the big men battling in the paint may grab the attention, UConn’s standout player this season has been All-American guard Tristen Newton. Despite some ups and downs as a shooter during the NCAA Tournament, Newton has excelled at creating opportunities for his teammates.
Newton’s role as the lead guard for the Huskies has propelled them to the top spot in the nation for adjusted offensive efficiency, averaging 6.2 assists per game. His performance has only improved during March Madness, with an impressive 7.2 assists per game, and he most recently tallied 9 assists in the Final Four matchup against Alabama.
Despite Purdue’s defense ranking 12th in adjusted efficiency, it has faced challenges against playmaking guards this season. The Boilermakers currently allow the second most assists per game in college basketball, averaging 14.1. According to -115 odds from bet365, there is a 53.49% probability that Newton will record at least six assists. A $10 bet on this outcome would result in an $8.70 profit if successful.
Purdue (1) vs. UConn (1) game info
- When: Monday, April 8
- Tip-off: 9:20 p.m. ET
- Where: State Farm Stadium, Glendale, Az.
- How to watch: TBS
- Favorite: UConn -6.5 (-114 via FanDuel)
Purdue vs. UConn odds
Player props for the Purdue vs UConn game were created on Sunday at 11 a.m. Eastern Time.
Here are our best March Madness betting sites:
- Caesars Promo Code: SBRBONUS1000 | Read our Caesars Review
- BetMGM Bonus Code: SBRBONUS | Read our BetMGM Review
- bet365 Bonus Code: SBRBONUS | Read our bet365 Review
- BetRivers Promo Code: SBRBONUS | Read our BetRivers Review
- FanDuel Promo Code | Read our FanDuel Review
- DraftKings Promo Code | Read our DraftKings Review
*Bonuses are not valid in Ontario. If you are over 21 and have a gambling problem, please call 1-800-GAMBLER.
Related pages
- Best Live Betting Sites | Best Underscoreg Promos (U.S. only)