Betting odds reflect the anticipated outcome, with UConn favored by 34.5 points against Sacred Heart, and the Over/Under set at 149.5.

Key players for UConn include guards Solo Ball and Hassan Diarra, along with forwards Alex Karaban and Samson Johnson, who will be crucial in their title pursuit.

At BetMGM Sportsbook, UConn shares the shortest odds at +850 with Kansas to win the national championship for the 2024-25 season, reflecting high expectations.

Fans can watch the game for free with a trial of DirecTV Stream or fuboTV, making it accessible for those wanting to catch the action.

The game will be broadcast live on FS1, providing a platform for fans to follow UConn's quest for a third consecutive championship.

Predictions for the game suggest a significant UConn victory, with projections estimating a final score of UConn 95, Sacred Heart 56.

The UConn Huskies will kick off their basketball season on November 6, 2024, facing Sacred Heart at Harry A. Gampel Pavilion in Mansfield, Connecticut, with a 7 p.m. ET tip-off.

As the two-time defending national champions, UConn is aiming for their third consecutive title, a feat last achieved by UCLA in the early 1970s.

Head coach Dan Hurley has openly embraced the challenge of pursuing this historic three-peat, emphasizing that any season ending without a championship is viewed as a failure.

In contrast, Sacred Heart enters the game with a ranking of 316th at EvanMiya.com and 336th at both KenPom.com and BartTorvik.com, indicating a likely one-sided matchup.

The Sacred Heart Pioneers, who lost their season opener to Temple 81-70, managed to cover as a 14-point underdog, showcasing some resilience despite their struggles.

Last season, UConn averaged over 87 points in their opening games, which could influence betting strategies as they begin their title defense.