The No. 1 Villanova Wildcats (31-4) go head-to-head against the No. 9 Alabama Crimson Tide (20-15) in the Second Round of the NCAA Tournament at PPG Paints Arena. The game starts at 12:10 p.m. ET on Saturday, March 17, 2018.
Alabama Crimson Tide vs. Villanova Wildcats Betting Prediction
In the First Round, the Crimson Tide defeated the No. 8 Virginia Tech Hokies, 86-83. The Crimson Tide had an extraordinary free throw rate of 0.360 (above their season average of 0.279) and had an offensive rebounding percentage of 45.5 (above their season average of 29.1). Alabama was led by Collin Sexton, who was the top scorer from either team with 25 points on 7-for-14 shooting.
The Wildcats had no trouble getting past the No. 16 Radford Highlanders in the First Round, 87-61. Villanova made 14 of their 27 three pointers (51.9 percent). Radford, meanwhile, had a better offensive rebounding percentage (34.1 vs. 29.2). With 13 points and six rebounds, Villanova’s Mikal Bridges played well.
This battle pits one of the nation’s top offenses against one of its elite defensesVillanova currently ranks second in effective field goal percentage (0.600), while Alabama is 45th in effective field goal percentage allowed (0.476). Moreover, the Crimson Tide are among the NCAA’s best at getting to the line, ranking 44th in free throw attempt (FTA) rate (0.281). The Wildcats, however, rank 41st in opponents’ FTA rate (0.193).
Both teams have had a player take their game to the next level over their last five games. Collin Sexton (23.2 points and 3.8 assists) has been stellar for the Crimson Tide while Eric Paschall (10.0 points and 8.2 rebounds) has made solid contributions to the Wildcats.
Alabama Crimson Tide vs. Villanova Wildcats ATS Pick
Free College Basketball Pick: SU Winner – Villanova, ATS Winner – Villanova, O/U – Under
Notes
Betting Notes:
Villanova ranks 10th in three pointers attempted per game (28.6) while Alabama ranks 237th (19.6).
The Wildcats rank 14th in assists per game (16.8) while the Crimson Tide rank 206th (12.7).
Villanova ranks ninth in steals allowed per game (4.6) while Alabama ranks 167th (6.6).
The Wildcats rank 47th in blocks allowed per game (2.7) while the Crimson Tide rank 170th (3.7).
Villanova averages 35.5 rebounds per game, which ranks 150th in the nation. Alabama ranks 192nd in rebounds allowed per game (35.7).
Bettings Trends:
The Crimson Tide have been outscored by an average of 0.6 points in their last five games. On the season, Alabama has defeated opponents by an average of 2.4 points.
During their last five games, the Wildcats have scored an average of 88.2 points per game (1.1 above their season average) and allowed an average of 67.6 points per game (3.0 below their season average).
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