UConn Huskies (3) vs. Bucknell Bison (14) Thurs. March 17, 2011 7:20 p.m. EST

Along with scoring machine Jimmer Fredette of the BYU Cougars (3), the UConn Huskies (3) have arguably one of the most talented players in this 2011 NCAA Tournament in the form of Kemba Walker. No player in college basketball has played better over the past few weeks and may be throughout the entire college basketball season than Walker of UConn.

With the ability to score at will and hit the big shot when the team needs it most, Kemba Walker is the Kobe Bryant of college basketball right now and like Kobe might be able to lead his team to title at season’s end. Even though the UConn Huskies (3) have a pretty favorable matchup in their first game of the 2011 NCAA Tournament against the Bucknell Bison (14), they will have their work cut out for them as they will have to contend with the likes of the defending NCAA champion Duke Blue Devils (1), San Diego State Aztecs (3) and the Texas Longhorns (4) if they want to reach the Final Four.

In the meantime, Jim Calhoun and company will be focusing on getting the best of the Bison in their first matchup of the 2011 NCAA Tournament. Even though no one is giving Bucknell any kind of chance to beat UConn in this game, anything can happen, but the Bison topping the Huskies is highly unlikely.

As of right now, the UConn Huskies (3) are the favorites to come out on top with a -10 point spread. This spread seems pretty fair in my opinion as the Huskies will almost certainly win this game and by a big margin. There is no way the Bison will be able to contain Walker in this matchup as the Huskies should get the easy win.

For Thursday’s NCAA Tournament action, the following online sportsbooks have the best odds and spreads:

BetDSI Sportsbook:
Spread: Bucknell Bison +10 & UConn Huskies -10
Moneyline: Bucknell Bison +425 & UConn Huskies -650
Over/Under: Bucknell Bison 110 UConn Huskies 110 under (132)

BetDSI Sportsbook:
Spread: Bucknell Bison +10 & UConn Huskies -10
Moneyline: Bucknell Bison +500 & UConn Huskies -6525
Over/Under: Bucknell Bison 110 UConn Huskies 110 under (132.5)

Related News

• March Madness: Three players to watch in the 2011 NCAA Tournament
• March Madness: Duke (1) vs. Hampton (16) in NCAA Tournament matchup
• March Madness gears up as Duke gets number one seed in West Region of NCAA Tournament
• March Madness: UCLA (7) vs. Michigan State (10) in opening round NCAA Tournament action
• March Madness: BYU (3) vs. Wofford (14) in first round NCAA Tournament action