Offense meets defense when the No. 14 Villanova Wildcats (19-4, 10-0 Big East) visit Marquette to take on the No. 10 Golden Eagles (19-4, 8-2 Big East). The game gets underway at 2:30 p.m. ET on Saturday, February 9, 2019.
Villanova Wildcats at Marquette Golden Eagles Betting Prediction
In the Wildcats’ last game, they defeated the Creighton Bluejays, 66-59. The Wildcats had a much better free throw rate (0.250 vs. 0.113) and had a turnover percentage of 10.9 (better than their season average of 15.0). Villanova received a boost from Eric Paschall, who finished with 15 points and seven rebounds.
The Golden Eagles lost a close one to the St. John’s Red Storm in their last outing, 70-69. St. John’s’ effective field goal percentage was their largest strength over Marquette. The Red Storm had a rate of 0.500 (below their season average of 0.546), while the Golden Eagles posted a mark of 0.481 (below their season average of 0.543). With 19 points on 6-for-16 shooting, Sam Hauser led Marquette in scoring.
After the Wildcats won all three meetings against the Golden Eagles last season, this will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams. In the most recent matchup, Villanova won 94-70. The Wildcats had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (34.5 vs. 20.6) and had a much better effective field goal percentage (0.698 vs. 0.518).
A focal point for the Marquette offense is getting to the free throw line. The Golden Eagles rank 36th in free throw attempt (FTA) rate (0.282), but Villanova is among the best in the country at keeping opponents away from the charity stripe (ranking 60th by yielding a FTA rate of 0.192). Moreover, the Wildcats rank 16th in offensive efficiency (115.9), while the Golden Eagles rank 40th in defensive efficiency (95.6).
Villanova vs. Marquette Free Pick
Pick: SU Winner – Marquette, ATS Winner – Marquette, O/U – Under
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Notes
Betting Notes:
Villanova ranks 31st in steals allowed per game (5.2) while Marquette ranks 164th (7.2).
The Wildcats rank fourth in three pointers attempted per game (30.0) while the Golden Eagles rank 108th (23.8).
Marquette ranks 45th in rebounds per game (38.5) while Villanova ranks 147th (35.7).
The Golden Eagles rank 29th in blocks per game (4.7) while the Wildcats rank 130th (3.0).
Marquette averages 14.0 assists per game, which ranks 110th in the nation. Villanova ranks 138th in assists allowed per game (13.2).
Bettings Trends:
The Wildcats’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 13.4, up from 9.7 for the season.
During their last five games, the Golden Eagles have scored an average of 78.0 points per game (1.0 below their season average) and allowed an average of 69.4 points per game (0.4 above their season average).
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