Apologies for the late play, but had to jump in on the Huskies, who are strong closers. New Mexico State bullied the rest of the WAC but the Aggies won't have a size advantage here. This is a massive game for the UConn program after it got bounced in the first round by Maryland last season. With a team capable of reaching the Final Four, I'll lay the reasonable number.

Teddy Allen is a dangerous scorer for New Mexico State, but UConn is strong enough defensively to try and take him out of the game and force the rest of the Aggies to beat it. I don't think the Aggies can. I'm taking the under because NMSU should struggle to score points, and I'd rather not have to rely on the Huskies offense to cover.

The Aggies have transfer Teddy Allen, as well as Johnny McCants, who helped nearly knock off Auburn in 2018’. Yet, UConn has the weapons defensively to hinder the offense of the Aggies. Take UConn to play two complete halves as the Big East impresses opening weekend.

This is a possible 12-vs.-5 upset just because New Mexico State has four starters from last year's team and added 6-foot-6 forward Teddy Allen from the transfer portal. Allen's 19.3 points per game makes him the top scorer in the West bracket. The Aggies play good defense (allowing only 39.1 percent shooting), play with unity, take smart shots and have a star performer -- a recipe for an upset. I took the points with New Mexico State (26-6).

New Mexico State plays slowly on offense and uses a variety of defenses to create confusion for opponents. Connecticut's offense plays at a below average pace, and its defense is No. 5 in the country at defending the paint. Under is the play.