NCAA Tournament First Round Oklahoma Sooners vs UCONN Huskies-03-21-25

UCONN Huskies are looking for another National Championship; that is probably not going to happen this season. Oklahoma comes out of the SEC conference and is a decent-sized underdog. Can they pull off the upset?

Oklahoma Sooners vs UCONN Huskies

• Point Spread: UCONN -5.5
• Moneyline Oklahoma +184
• Moneyline UCONN -225
• Over/Under 147.5

Although the Huskies have not met expectations this season, it raises the question of whether those expectations should have been adjusted from the beginning, especially after Dan Hurley lost four starters from last year’s championship team. Nonetheless, it seems that Hurley can still extract more performance from this current group. A crucial factor may be Alex Karaban’s confidence. As the only returning starter from last season, Karaban struggled with a significant shooting slump during the regular season’s final weeks. With Solo Ball and a healthy Liam McNeeley providing additional shooting options for UConn, Karaban’s return to form would be a major advantage for the team.

Oklahoma’s roller-coaster season concluded on a largely positive note despite a rough start to their SEC play. The Sooners boosted their chances for a tournament bid with significant wins in non-conference play against teams like Michigan, Arizona, and Louisville. They finished strong by winning three of their final five conference games, securing their first tournament appearance under former Loyola Chicago coach Porter Moser. Moser leads a veteran team with one notable exception: freshman Jeremiah Fears, who demonstrated a knack for clutch performances during non-conference games. Although Fears is still developing as a shooter, he can score in bursts, similar to his teammate Jalon Moore, who averages 16.0 points per game. Oklahoma ranks in the top 50 for 3-point shooting percentage, aided by Brycen Goodine, a sixth-year player known for his proficiency from beyond the arc.

Oklahoma vs UCONN Moneyline

Moneyline value exists for a MoneyLine bet on either team, and I think the best bet on either team is on the Sooners taking the points. To find the best line, you need accounts with multiple sportsbooks, and we got you covered as we break down the best sports betting app

DraftKings

4.5/5

Tip: Bet Oklahoma +5.5

• Sooners played better competition
• Rebounding will be crucial
• Neutral site

New DraftKings Customers: Spend $5+ Get $150 in Bonus Bets *Paid Within 14 Days

Open DraftKings

The best NCAA betting sites

To satisfy the ever-growing market of NCAA bettors, the best basketball sportsbooks offer unique user experiences, huge payouts, and fantastic bonuses. Gamers no longer have to go to casinos to find some physical action. Online bookies let you play the game of risk from the comfort of your own home. We hope our guide can point you in the right direction so you can find the best gambling experiences on the internet.

Best Brand

FanDuel Promo

New Users – Bet $5 Get $200 in Bet Reset Tokens for 5 Days

Get bonus now

Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or 1-800-MY-RESET. Call 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT). Hope is here. GamblingHelplineMA.org or call (800) 327-5050 for 24/7 support (MA). Visit www.mdgamblinghelp.org (MD). Call 1-877-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY). 21+ (18+ DC, IA, KY, WV) only. New users only or text HOPENY (467369) (NY). Casino, First online real money wager only. $5 first deposit required. Min $5 wager required for 5 consecutive days. Bonus issued as non-withdrawable Bet Reset tokens. Refund from token issued as nonwithdrawable bonus bet that expire 7 days after receipt. Max refund $200 per day. Restrictions apply, including token expiration. See full terms at fanduel.com/sportsbook. Call 1-877-770-7867 (LA).

Best Slots

BetMGM Promo

Up To $1500 in Bonus Bets Paid Back if your First Bet Does Not Win

Get bonus now

Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or 1-800-MY-RESET (Available in the US) 877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY) 1-800-327-5050 (MA), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA), 1-800-981-0023 (PR). 21+ only. Please Gamble Responsibly. See BetMGM.com for Terms. First Bet Offer for new customers only (if applicable). Subject to eligibility requirements. Bonus bets are non-withdrawable. In partnership with Kansas Crossing Casino and Hotel. Promotional offers not available in Mississippi, New York, Ontario, or Puerto Rico.

Newcomer

DraftKings Promo

New DraftKings Customers: Spend $5+ Get $150 in Bonus Bets *Paid Within 14 Days

Get bonus now

GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER or 1-800-MY-RESET, (800) 327-5050 or visit gamblinghelplinema.org (MA). Please Gamble Responsibly. 888-789-7777/visit ccpg.org (CT), or visit www.mdgamblinghelp.org (MD), 1-800-981-0023 (PR). GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER or 1-800-MY-RESET, (800) 327-5050 or visit gamblinghelplinema.org (MA). Please Gamble Responsibly. 888-789-7777/visit ccpg.org (CT), or visit www.mdgamblinghelp.org (MD), 1-800-981-0023 (PR). 21+ and present in most states. (18+ DC/NH/PR/WY). Void in CAN. Eligibility restrictions apply. On behalf of Boot Hill Casino (KS). Pass-thru of per wager tax may apply in IL. 1 per new DraftKings customer. $5+ first-time bet req. Max. $150 issued as non-withdrawable Bonus Bets that expire in 7 days after issuance. Stake removed from payout. Reward issued as $50 in Bonus Bets every 7 days via click-to-claim for 14 days. 7 days = 168hrs. Terms: sportsbook.draftkings.com/promos. Ends 8/23/26 at 11:59 PM ET. Sponsored by DK.

Award

Caesars Promo

Bet $1 and get double the winnings up to $25 for your next 10 bets

–

21+ New users only. Must register using eligible promo code. First bet after registration must qualify. Max. Bonus Bet: $1,000. Bonus Bet expires 14 days after receipt. Void where prohibited. See Caesars.com/promos for full terms. Gambling Problem? 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537)

Oklahoma vs UCONN Over/Under Analysis

The line is 147.5 and I will bet the over as I think this is a game played in the low eighties.

DraftKings

4.5/5

Tip: Bet the Over 147.5

• Both Teams better offensively
• turnovers will be key
• Neutral site

New DraftKings Customers: Spend $5+ Get $150 in Bonus Bets *Paid Within 14 Days

Open DraftKings

Many people are likely to choose UConn, and it’s easy to understand why. The Huskies have historically performed well during March, and after winning two consecutive national titles, they are seen as a formidable contender again. However, this year’s UConn team is different from last year’s, which dominated the competition on its way to the championship. Meanwhile, Oklahoma is coming off a challenging season in a strong SEC and has a chance to pull off a minor upset if the circumstances favor them. The Sooners have been battle-tested in the SEC this season and they will at the very least cover this game.

Bet Oklahoma +5.5