Exclusive: "UConn is obviously the favorite here but..." TJ Rives predicts his contenders for 2023 NCAA title game
As the 2023 NCAA title game approaches, expectations are rising for each remaining team in the NCAA Tournament. There is little margin for error for each of the Final Four teams, and everyone is getting in their top predictions for how things will shake out.
In the most recent edition of "The BallFather Podcast," a Sportskeeda exclusive, Tampa Bay area sportscaster T.J. Rives said:
"UConn is obviously the favorite here, but why do I get the feeling that we could see, like, Miami (versus) Florida Atlantic or Miami (versus) San Diego State? We could just as easily see that in a title game."
Rives talked about how No. 4 seed UConn (29-8) struggled in the first round against No. 13-seeded Iona before exploding for a 50-point second half in an 87-63 win. The Huskies rode that momentum to then beat Saint Mary's by 15 points (70-55), Arkansas by 23 points (88-65) and the Gonzaga Bulldogs by 28 points (82-54).
The Huskies have shot the ball at a high level throughout 2023 NCAA March Madness and for most of the season, but there is concern they could slow down. No. 5 seed Miami (29-7) has one of the best offenses in the country, and UConn will need to continue producing points if it is to keep up.
While the 78.8 points per game they produced during the season should provide fans with an optimistic view, the national championship is a stage that is difficult to fully prepare for.
UConn vs. Miami preview
UConn is considered the biggest favorite remaining and is the highest seed left. The Huskies are considered minus-125 favorites to win it all in the 2023 NCAA title game and 5.5 favorites in the matchup against Miami.
The Hurricanes have been underdogs for most of this stretch run, but this has not stopped them from taking down No. 4 seed Indiana 85-69, No. 1 seed Houston 89-75 and No. 2 seed Texas 88-81.
Miami overcame a 13-point deficit to advance to the Final Four for the first time in program history https://t.co/buP6ph2XY3
Miami is led by its guard-dominant play of Isiah Wong, Nijel Pack and Jordan Miller, who have combined for 45.4 ppg and are each capable of scoring in a number of ways. Norchad Omier also adds 13.3 ppg from the forward position but will have a difficult task matching up against UConn big man Adama Sanogo.
While the Vegas line may indicate UConn is a significant favorite, there is plenty to like about this Miami team. Strong play from its guards tends to make a difference for teams in the NCAA Tournament, and this should help Miami's confidence.
The game is set to take place in Houston, Texas and tip off at 8:49p.m. EDT on Saturday. The game can be seen on CBS and will be the second Final Four matchup of the night.
The 2023 NCAA title game will be held Monday night.