Virginia vs. Villanova Pick
It’s a massive non-conference clash today in college basketball when No. 1 Villanova faces No. 12 Virginia at 1PM ET from the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia.
According to oddsmakers at BetDSI, Villanova is favored in today’s game, as the Wildcats are getting odds of -5 points against Virginia. The over/under total has yet to be set. These two met last season with Virginia getting an 86-75 win at home.
Virginia comes in hot, winning five straight after a 71-54 win at Notre Dame earlier this week. The Cavaliers are 16-3 on the season now while putting up an 11-6 record against the spread, which includes a 7-2 mark ATS on the road. UVA is one of the best defensive teams in the nation, allowing just 53.3 points per game this season. The offense is only putting up 69.6 per game. London Perrantes is putting up 12.3 points and 3.7 assists per game to lead the team while Marial Shayok is adding 10 points per contest.
Villanova is coming off a 74-72 loss at Marquette earlier in the week to drop to 19-2 on the season. The Wildcats have yet to lose in home games. While this isn’t an official “home” game, it’s pretty close. Nova is 10-0 at home this season. Villanova is 12-8 against the spread this season as well, with a 6-3 record ATS at home. Nova has a pretty good defense itself, allowing just 62.6 points per game while the offense averages 78.3 per game. Josh Hart is putting up 19 points and 6.6 rebounds per game to lead Villanova. Jalen Brunson adds 14.1 points and 4.2 assists per contest.
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This should be a great basketball game. Both teams play with a lot of poise and have a focus on great defense. Had Villanova not just lost in its last game, I would probably like the Cavaliers here. However, Villanova has been good at responding to a loss, going 7-1 against the spread since 2014. Jay Wright should have his team ready to go to pick up another big win.
COLLEGE BASKETBALL DAILY PREDICTION: VILLANOVA -5