This is not the San Diego State team from last season. However, this is still an above average defense for the Aztecs. They’ve had the whole season to think about their 17-point loss in last year’s national title game. Connecticut has looked unstoppable and rightfully so, but this seems like a lot of points for the Sweet 16 with the public very heavy on Huskies. If Jadeon Ledee can get Donovan Clingan into foul trouble, Creighton did to Clingan, that could make the game a little more interesting.

Can SDSU fare any better than it did last April 3? Remember, UConn won the national title game comfortably, 76-59, and not sure the scenario will be much different in the Sweet 16. These Aztecs rely even more upon 6-9 PF Jaedon LeDee, who has worn out opposing frontlines in recent games in which he’s tallying 28 ppg across the past five. But UConn can keep LeDee contained with its size and athleticism, especially with 7-2 skyscraper Donovan Clingan to protect the rim. From the title game, Dan Hurley also returns G Tristen Newton, who scored a game-high 19 in that 17-point cruise, while the Huskies have won nine in a row since that mid-February loss at Creighton. Play UConn (NCAA at Boston)

The Huskies shot 3 of 22 from deep against Northwestern, and the game still was a blowout start to finish. This one will be tougher against a very physical and staunch defensive team in San Diego State. But the elevated play of Donovan Clingan should somewhat neutralize Jaedon LeDee. And ultimately, UConn's overall excellence will prevail. The Huskies have won eight straight NCAA Tournament games by 13 or more points. Playing in front of a partisan crowd in Boston, look for UConn to extend that streak.

This is a pretty big number to lay in the Sweet 16, but UConn is simply that good. I've watched a lot of San Diego State this season, and while they are a very solid team, this year's squad isn't on the same level as last year's national runner-up team. I like UConn to win by 15+ in this one.

TD Garden Arena is in Boston right? Boston, Mass? K just checking. And this is the UCONN team that plays incredibly sound ball and probably got a few teaching points for Hurley from the slight let-down against Northwestern in the final 10 mins of what was a blowout win. Am I supposed to be shocked if/when they win by 15+? UCONN 24-11 ATS as a favorite, 15-5 ATS road/neutral (this is priced as neutral but really home). Love the inside/outside stuff the Huskies have going on. They just beat Marquette (2 seed) by 16 at neutral site this month? SDSU 6-14 ATS road/neutral. Huskies margin of victory during 9-game win streak: 17, 39, 16, 5, 27, 14, 7, 30, 24. That math works.