The Creighton Bluejays (17-5, 7-3 Big East) head to No. 1 Villanova to take on the Wildcats (20-1, 7-1 Big East) in a game that has the potential to be high-scoring. The game begins at 6:30 p.m. ET on Thursday, February 1, 2018.
Villanova opened as a 12.5-point favorite, while the Over/Under (O/U) for the game has been set at 164 points.
Creighton Bluejays at Villanova Wildcats Betting Prediction
The last time the Bluejays played, they beat the Georgetown Hoyas, 85-77. The Bluejays forced 17 turnovers and had a free throw rate of 0.412 (above their season average of 0.206). With 28 points on 9-for-16 shooting, Marcus Foster was the top scorer from either team.
The Wildcats edged the Marquette Golden Eagles in their last outing, 85-82. The Wildcats made 19 of their 24 free throws (79.2 percent) and had an offensive rebounding percentage of 37.5 (above their season average of 29.8). Jalen Brunson was the game’s high scorer with 31 points on 10-for-21 shooting.
This contest figures to be a shootout as two of the nation’s best offenses go head-to-head. Villanova ranks first with 125.4 points per 100 possessions and Creighton is 19th (116.9). Also, the Bluejays, who rank 270th in free throw attempt (FTA) rate (0.213), could have a tough time getting to the line against the Wildcats, who rank 10th in opponents’ FTA rate (0.168).
Creighton heads into the game with records of 17-5 straight up (SU) and 12-9 against the spread (ATS). A little over half of the Bluejays’ games have finished over the total.
Meanwhile, Villanova is 20-1 SU and 14-7 ATS. Of the Wildcats’ 20 games that accepted bets, 12 have finished over the total.
Donte DiVincenzo has averaged 15.4 points and 1.2 steals over the last five games for Villanova.
After the Wildcats won all three matchups against the Bluejays last season, these teams will clash for the first time this year. In the last matchup, Villanova won 74-60. The Wildcats knocked down 15 of their 19 free throws (78.9 percent) and had a better effective field goal percentage (0.546 vs. 0.466).
Creighton Bluejays vs. Villanova Wildcats ATS Pick
Free Pick: SU Winner – Villanova, ATS Winner – Villanova, O/U – Over
Notes
Betting Notes:
Creighton is 4-5 ATS on the road with 5 overs and 4 unders.
Villanova is 4-3 ATS at home with 4 overs and 2 unders.
Villanova ranks 18th in three pointers attempted per game (27.9) while Creighton ranks 181st in three pointers allowed per game (22.9).
The Bluejays rank sixth in assists per game (18.5) while the Wildcats rank 156th in assists allowed per game (13.8).
Villanova ranks 14th in steals allowed per game (4.8) while Creighton ranks 136th (6.6).
The Wildcats rank 50th in blocks allowed per game (2.8) while the Bluejays rank 69th (3.0).
Creighton ranks 71st in rebounds per game (37.7) while Villanova ranks 73rd in rebounds allowed per game (33.1).
Bettings Trends:
In their last five games, Creighton is 2-3 ATS with 3 unders and 2 overs.
Villanova is 3-2 ATS with 3 unders and 2 overs over their last five games.
The Bluejays have been outscored by an average of 1.2 points in their last five games. On the season, Creighton has defeated opponents by an average of 13.5 points.
During their last five games, the Wildcats have scored an average of 84.2 points per game (3.6 below their season average) and allowed an average of 67.8 points per game (1.3 below their season average).
