(AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vasquez)Connecticut guard Tristen Newton (2) shoots over Miami guard Jordan Miller (11) throughout the second half of a Final Four college basketball game in the NCAA Tournament on Saturday, April 1, 2023, in Houston. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vasquez)Connecticut guard Joey Calcaterra (3) commemorates after their win versus Miami in a Final Four college basketball game in the NCAA Tournament on Saturday, April 1, 2023, in Houston. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vasquez)San Diego State guard Lamont Butler scores the video game winning basket against Florida Atlantic in a Final Four college basketball video game in the NCAA Tournament on Saturday, April 1, 2023, in Houston.
Connecticut has actually steamrolled its way to the NCAA title game, winning 5 straight games by an average of 20.6 points while going 5-0 versus the spread.

Recreational and sharp gamblers are counting on the Huskies to win their fifth national championship and cover again as 7½½ -point favorites over San Diego State in Monday's matchup.

" Money was available in on Connecticut right away when we put it up," Westgate SuperBook director John Murray said. "We opened it at 6. Away it went to 6½½, and the market was going up to 7½ ½ and 8. I think San Diego State is a great bet at these numbers, due to the fact that going into the competition, this game wouldn't have actually been 7½½. It would've been 3 or 3½½. "The number is inflated due to the fact that of how well UConn has been playing. They've won every game, they've covered every spread and they're blowing everybody out. That's why you see this huge number.".

South Point sportsbook director Chris Andrews stated he took sharp money on UConn -7, and Caesars Sportsbook likewise reported sharp action on the Huskies.

" When the line goes up right away, it's usually sharp money," Caesars assistant director of trading Adam Pullen said.

The overall is up to 132½ ½ after opening at 131. UConn is -360 on the cash line at the Westgate, and the Aztecs are +320 at the South Point.

" I'm sure we'll require a UConn win, since in any champion video game you get a lot of money line bets on the underdog," Pullen stated. We'll most likely need them to cover however not get the straight-out win.".

San Diego State won, but didn't cover as a 2½½ -point favorite over Florida Atlantic in Saturday's 72-71 victory in the Final Four semifinals when Lamont Butler made a buzzer-beating jumper.

It was an ideal result for Caesars.

" A lot of times a bookie will discuss the middle where the preferred wins but does not cover," Pullen stated. "San Diego State winning by one was the perfect scenario. We beat the people that bet the preferred on the spread, and we beat cash line gamblers on the underdog.".

On the other hand, Station Casinos lost on the Final Four after the book got middled on the Aztecs' win.

" Overall it was a losing day with UConn covering and San Diego State winning," Red Rock Resort sportsbook director Chuck Esposito said. "They were playing San Diego State on the money line, and a great deal of people took Florida Atlantic getting a couple points.

" The Final Four video games benefited gamblers, but the competition as a whole has been really helpful for us.".

Caesars likewise took a hit on UConn (-5½½ )and the under( 148 ½), as a bettor won $150,000 on an under wager in the Huskies' 72-59 win over Miami.

UConn has gone under in its previous 2 games, while the Aztecs saw their 12-game under streak end against the Owls.

" UConn just appears like a juggernaut. Miami had scored at least 85 points 3 video games in a row and didn't break 60," Pullen stated. "The UConn defense has actually been sensational.

" They've just been on another level compared to these groups. The Aztecs have a great defense, but can their offense muster enough against UConn?".

While Caesars, Station and South Point will win on NCAA title futures in any case, the SuperBook requires one team in Nevada and the other in the remainder of the nation.

" We win huge on San Diego State in Nevada, however get squashed on San Diego State beyond Nevada," Murray stated. "Overall, we 'd rather have San Diego State win because we have so much on UConn in Nevada.".

The Last Man Standing college basketball removal contest at Station is down to 4 participants from a beginning field of 2,525. The reward for the $25 entry contest is $51,000.

Contact press reporter Todd Dewey at tdewey@reviewjournal.com. Follow @tdewey33 on Twitter.

NCAA Tournament props.

At Westgate SuperBook.

Which group will score 10 points?

San Diego State +145.

Connecticut -165.

Which team will score 20 points?

San Diego State +170.

Connecticut -190.

Most Outstanding Player.

Adama Sanogo -140.

Jordan Hawkins 4-1.

Matt Bradley 10-1.

Lamont Butler 14-1.

Andre Jackson Jr. 25-1.

Darrion Trammell 35-1.

Jaedon LeDee 40-1.

Treisten Newton 40-1.

Field (all others) 16-1.