Offense meets defense when the No. 21 Villanova Wildcats (8-2) travel to Penn to take on the Quakers (8-2). The game starts at 7 p.m. ET on Tuesday, December 11, 2018, and will air on ESPN2.
Villanova Wildcats at Penn Quakers Betting Prediction
The last time the Wildcats played, they thoroughly outplayed the Morgan State Bears, 100-77. The Wildcats had a much better free throw rate (0.299 vs. 0.085) and had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (44.4 vs. 25.6). Villanova rallied around Eric Paschall, who was the game’s high scorer with 26 points on 7-for-11 shooting.
The Quakers edged the George Mason Patriots in their last game, 72-71. Penn had a much better effective field goal percentage (0.611 vs. 0.483). George Mason, meanwhile, did a terrific job of converting from the free throw line (13-16; 81.3 percent). AJ Brodeur was the top scorer from either team with 19 points on 8-for-11 shooting from the field.
Second-chance opportunities might be scarce for Penn in this meeting. The Quakers currently rank 262nd in offensive rebounding percentage (26.4 percent), while Villanova ranks 43rd in defensive rebounding percentage (75.6 percent). Also, the Wildcats rank 55th in offensive efficiency (112.7), while the Quakers rank 29th in defensive efficiency (93.1).
After the Wildcats won the lone game against the Quakers last season, 90-62, these teams will battle for the first time this year. The Wildcats made 16 of their 19 free throws (84.2 percent) and had a much better turnover percentage (10.8 vs. 18.0).
Villanova Wildcats vs. Penn Quakers Betting Pick
Pick: SU Winner – Villanova, ATS Winner – Villanova, O/U – Under
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Notes
Betting Notes:
Penn ranks 45th in steals per game (7.5) while Villanova ranks 217th (5.0).
The Wildcats rank 21st in rebounds allowed per game (31.2) while the Quakers rank 111th (34.0).
Penn ranks third in assists allowed per game (8.9) while Villanova ranks 84th (12.2).
The Wildcats rank 22nd in blocks allowed per game (2.4) while the Quakers rank 89th (3.1).
Both of these teams like to shoot the long ball. Villanova is ninth in the country with 29.8 three pointers per game while Penn is 59th with 25.1 threes per game.
Bettings Trends:
The Wildcats’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 9.6, down from 10.2 for the season.
During their last five games, the Quakers have scored an average of 76.2 points per game (3.7 below their season average) and allowed an average of 68.6 points per game (1.8 above their season average).
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