UConn vs Notre Dame prediction, odds & picks for Dec. 12 | College Basketball Season 2024-25
A highly-anticipated matchup between powerhouses UConn Huskies and Notre Dame Fighting Irish is occuring on Friday, Dec.12. The Big East versus Atlantic Coast fixture will take place at the Purcell Pavilion in South Bend, Indiana where it will be the 8-0 Huskies' ninth game of the season and the 7-2 Figthing Irish's 10th.
The two teams breezed through their respective previous games, showcasing why they are among the favorites in this year's NCAA tournament. Last Saturday, Dec.7, UConn mightily handed an 85-52 beating to Louisville while Notre Dame trounced Syracuse with a score of 93-62 the following day.
With conference play ensuing sooner than later, UConn are seeking their ninth straight victory while the Fighting Irish is gunning for their eleventh overall triumph. Let's see how this hotly-contested game will look like.
UConn vs. Notre Dame prediction
January is rolling on soon, meaning college teams will have to fight for seeding in the coming months for the national tournament. As both squads are projected to go No.1 and are vying for deep runs this year, any win is essential while any loss is crucial to detriment.
UConn is led by no other star than Paige Bueckers. The fourth-year sensation who looks like is ready to take on the WNBA by storm is currently averaging 18.9 points on 56.3% from the field with 5.5 rebounds, 4.8 assists and 2.3 steals a game.
Superseeding her is freshman standout Sarah Strong, who has had a remarkable campaign with 16.3 markers, 7.6 boards, 3.6 dimes, 2.5 swipes and 1.5 blocks per contest. The returning Azzi Fudd also provides her veteran presence, chipping in 10.0 points per game.
On the Notre Dame side, spitfire guard Hannah Hidalgo is leading the charge in her sophomore year — pouring in 24.6 points, 6.8 caroms, 3.3 assists and 4.1 steals a contest. Backing her up on the backcourt is Olivia Miles, as the senior is pitching in 17.2 points, 6.7 rebounds and 6.6 assists for the season.
Stalwart Liatu King is also steady for them in the frontcourt, tallying a double-double average per game of 12.1 markers and 11.0 boards.
While it will be a tale of the stars as expected, it'll eventually boil down to the systems they're playing. UConn is spearheaded by the winningiest college coach of all time in Geno Auriemma while Notre Dame is coached by former WNBA player Niele Ivey. Auriemma's experience may just be the X-factor as to why the Huskies will pull off a victory with a tight lead.
UConn vs. Notre Dame odds
UConn vs. Notre Dame picks
Pick #1: Under 139.5 (-110)
Pick #2: UConn -2.5(-110)
Pick #3: Over 139.5 (-110)
UConn vs. Notre Dame head-to-head
History tells that the Huskies hold a significant edge over the Irish with a 38-15 W-L column. Heading into their 54th all-time matchup, however, Notre Dame won their last game against each other with a score of 82-67 earlier in January of this year.
Where to watch UConn vs. Notre Dame
The UConn Huskies (8-0) versus the Notre Dame Fighting Irish (7-2) game will be held at the Purcell Pavilion. It will tip off at 7 p.m. ET. on Friday, Dec. 12, and can be watched on either fubo or ESPN.
UConn vs. Notre Dame injuries
UConn will most likely have Azzi Fudd unavailable to suit up for the game as she is currently dealing with a minor knee sprain. For Notre Dame, however, there have been no reports on any of their players being out or questionable.