Connecticut Huskies head coach Dan Hurley holds various roles and meanings for different people. Analyze the extreme reactions of fans who either love or hate him. Indeed, Hurley is a college basketball betting lightning rod. But gamblers and UConn fans love him for his results. With two national championships, Hurley is a brand associated with coaching success. So far this year, the Huskies have been sending mixed signals.
UConn has been a dominant team on the hardwood, but it is not providing good wagering value at the betting window. UConn has become one of the most popular brands on the board. Thus, it attracts too much attention to the casual sector, raising the prices far above what they should be. Still, UConn is a formidable brand that will draw attention throughout the season.
2025-26 College Basketball Future Market Update
UConn Huskies Show Mixed Signs, But Power
So far this season, UConn has a sportsbook record of 8-1 straight up, 3-6 against the spread, and 2-6-1 under the total. Of major concern is that UConn’s offense has been inconsistent, ranking 207th in the nation. On the other hand, the Huskies’ defense ranks 4th in the nation for fewest points allowed. UConn has name-brand wins over BYU, Kansas, and Illinois. Tarris Reed Jr leads the Huskies with 15.5 points and 8.3 rebounds per contest, but his status will be a game-time decision for the immediate future. UConn has a neutral site game against Florida on December 9 and hosts Texas on December 12.
Iowa State issues Cyclone Warning to Cashier’s Cage
The Iowa State Cyclones have kept gamblers happy with a record of 9-0 straight up and 7-2 vs. the odds. As a result, the Clones have emerged as a favorite to win the Big 12 Conference.
Namely, head coach TJ Otzelberger has proven to be capable of sustaining his early success. Otzelberger led the Clones to the 21024 Big 12 Tournament championship and led them to March Madness each season. The most prolific offense in college basketball propels Iowa State to the top of the nation in scoring. Milan Momcilovic leads Iowa State with 18.3 points per game. Meanwhile, Joshua Jefferson adds 17.6 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 5.4 assists per contest.
At the beginning of the week there is eager anticipation for the December 11 matchup at home against Iowa. Following that is a Sunday home game with Eastern Illinois.
Houston Cougars In Range With Kelvin Sampson
Certainly, Kelvin Sampson at Houston has done one of the greatest coaching jobs in college basketball over the past decade. Sampson took over a moribund Houston Program in 2014 and turned it into a perennial national contender. At Houston, Sampson has one Big 12 Tournament championship and two regular-season titles. He was the 20254 National Coach of the Year.
Houston has a record of 8-1 when playing straight up, but their record is 3-6 when faced with College hoops odds. Gamblers must be mindful of the Cougars getting the maximum value from oddsmakers. Due to its popularity, Houston is a team that attracts a lot of attention from casual bettors, which has increased its odds to an overlay status.
On December 10, Houston hosts Jackson State. Following that matchup is another home game against visiting New Orleans. The Cougars will be heavy favorites both times.
Sampson is a demanding taskmaster on defense. For example, Houston ranks third in the nation for the fewest points allowed but ranks 269th in scoring offense. Emanuel Sharp leads the Cougars with 17.6 points per game.
Alabama Starting To Feel Its Oats
After a turbulent start, the Alabama Crimson Tide has begun to perform well. To illustrate, the Crimson Tide has won recent games against Clemson, Maryland, UNLV, and Illinois.
As always, head coach Nate Oats has a high-flying offense that ranks 25th in the nation in scoring. However, Oats has always been willing to sacrifice on defense. Alabama ranks 278th for fewest points allowed. Labaron Philon leads Alabama with 21.6 points and 5.4 assists per contest. This week, Alabama plays Arizona in a neutral-site game on December 13 in nearby Birmingham.