UM-UConn predictions: See who Sun Sentinel staffers are picking to win in Final Four (and what some Connecticut writers predict)

Miami (29-7) vs. Connecticut (29-8): Saturday, 8:49 p.m., NRG Stadium, Houston, CBS

Latest line: UConn is favored by 5 1/2 points

Dave Hyde, Sports Columnist: Miami 74, Connecticut 71

Miami won the ACC regular-season title and beat the first, second and fourth seeds in the Midwest bracket to reach the Final Four. Connecticut finished fourth in the Big East and beat the fifth, eighth and third seeds of the West to reach the national semifinals. Connecticut is a great 3-point shooting team and has a strong big-man rotation that could cause Miami trouble if center Norchad Omier gets in foul trouble. But Miami has won more consistently this season against better competition.

Adam Lichtenstein, Hurricanes Writer: Miami 77, Connecticut 75

UConn has an argument for being the best team in the NCAA Tournament so far. The Huskies haven’t just won. They have won big. In a tournament that has been full of upsets, UConn has beaten opponents by an average of 22.5 points. The Huskies also have not lost to a non-Big East opponent all season, and most of their losses were to other NCAA Tournament teams. But Miami has taken down giants in the past week, beating No. 1 seed Houston and No. 2 seed Texas. Ultimately, I think another Hurricanes game will come down to the wire. Miami played in so many close games all season and there is something to be said for experience in tight games. The Hurricanes have been telling the world “Don’t pick us” since the tournament began, but I’m going with Miami.

Chris Perkins, Sports Columnist: Miami 72, Connecticut 70

The favorites haven’t done what’s been expected in this tournament, so let’s keep the theme going. Even though UConn is 5 1/2-point favorites to win Saturday’s game, the Hurricanes are battle-tested ACC champs who also advanced to the Elite Eight last year. And Miami coach Jim Larranaga has been here before, having led underdog George Mason to a surprise 2006 Final Four berth.

Ira Winderman, Heat Writer: Connecticut 80, Miami 77

In a tournament of upsets and upstarts, one team has been dominant throughout, leaving no doubt about the championship favorite. Unfortunately coach Jim Larranaga’s team now finds itself matched up with that team. The ultimate challenge awaits UM.

Kathy Laughlin, Sports Editor: Miami 82, Connecticut 81

Few of the experts are giving UM a chance to make the final, but come on. If there is someone you don’t want to discount against the only perennial powerhouse team left standing, it’s longtime UM coach Jim Larranaga. It might have been 2006 and he might have been with another school and it might have been the Elite Eight, but he knows how to upset the Huskies in the NCAA Tournament.

Keven Lerner, Assistant Sports Editor: Connecticut 78, Miami 75

Connecticut is a 5 1/2-point favorite for a reason. UConn is the biggest name left playing, having won four national championships, including the 2014 title. The Huskies routed Gonzaga 82-54 in their Elite 8 matchup and have been dominant in their first four games of the NCAA Tournament. UConn certainly has the size advantage, which could prove costly for UM. The Hurricanes, who knocked off the top two seeds, will likely keep it close. The Huskies are 8-1 all-time in Final Four games.

Dominic Amore, Hartford Courant Sports Columnist: Connecticut 72, Miami 64

UConn is obviously the hottest team, having won its four tournament games by double digits. Miami, with its impressive resume, figures to give the Huskies a much tougher game, but it’s hard to imagine UConn being stopped.

Joe Arruda, Hartford Courant UConn Writer: Connecticut 75, Miami 68

Miami presents a unique problem with its four quick guards who can score, but UConn counters with one of the best shooters in the country in Jordan Hawkins and one of the most electrifying do-it-all players in the tournament in Andre Jackson. UConn also carries a significant advantage with its depth, which is often too much for opponents to handle. The Huskies will have trouble with the individual playmaking of Miami to start, but presents issues of their own with size and their uniqueness on both ends of the court. The center combination of Adama Sanogo and Donovan Clingan will make it tough for Norchad Omier despite his rebounding ability. If Hawkins finds his shot early and the Huskies can get enough help on both ends of the floor from their surrounding pieces, UConn should win this game but it will likely be its closest of the tournament.

Kels Dayton, Hartford Courant Sports Editor: Connecticut 71, Miami 68

UConn has absolutely rolled through the tournament so far, winning its four games by an average of 22.5 points. This team reminds some Huskies fans of the 2004 UConn team that dominated everyone but Duke on its way to a national title. Things will change a little in Houston — the Huskies now have the pressure of being the favorite and they’re going up against a talented Miami squad. I’d be worried about the motivational factor the ‘Canes have as an underdog, especially with a master motivator like Jim Larranaga at the helm. The dome in Houston could be a factor, too, as we’ve seen shooting percentages drop inside these giant football stadiums, and the Huskies rely on the 3-point shot quite a bit, while Miami doesn’t. Still though, this UConn team is too talented and has too many weapons. I like the Huskies in a close one.