The No. 1 Villanova Wildcats (17-1) travel to XL Center to square off with the Connecticut Huskies (10-8) in a showdown between two Big East teams. The game is scheduled to begin at 12 p.m. ET on Saturday, January 20, 2018.
Villanova Wildcats vs. Connecticut Huskies Betting Prediction
The last time the Wildcats played, they blew out the Georgetown Hoyas, 88-56. Villanova made 17 of their 33 three pointers (51.5 percent), while Georgetown was 4-15 (26.7 percent). Donte DiVincenzo fueled Villanova with 13 points, seven rebounds and five assists.
The Huskies got blown out by the Memphis Tigers in their last contest, 73-49. Memphis out-rebounded Connecticut. The Tigers had 14 offensive rebounds and 38 total rebounds, while the Huskies had nine and 23, respectively. Josh Carlton had a good game for Connecticut, leading the team in scoring with 15 points on 6-for-10 shooting.
Connecticut might have difficulty scoring as they clash against one of the nation’s best defenses. Villanova ranks 65th in defensive efficiency, while the Huskies rank 304th in offensive efficiency.
Both teams have had a player take their game to the next level over their last five games. DiVincenzo (15.4 points and 1.2 steals) has been great for the Wildcats while Christian Vital (17.2 points, 5.2 rebounds and 2.8 steals) has contributed greatly to the Huskies.
Villanova Wildcats at Connecticut Huskies Pick
Predictions: SU Winner – Connecticut, ATS Winner – Connecticut, O/U – Over
Notes
Betting Notes:
Villanova ranks 20th in assists per game (17.6) while Connecticut ranks 256th (9.6).
The Wildcats rank 24th in three pointers attempted per game (27.3) while the Huskies rank 219th in three pointers allowed per game (24.1).
Villanova ranks 43rd in blocks allowed per game (2.7) while Connecticut ranks 76th (3.3).
The Wildcats are 17th in the nation with 4.8 steals allowed per game while the Huskies are 45th with 5.4 steals allowed per game.
Villanova ranks 171st in rebounds per game (35.0) while Connecticut ranks 175th in rebounds allowed per game (36.3).
Bettings Trends:
The Wildcats’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 13.0, down from 19.4 for the season.
During their last five games, the Huskies have scored an average of 67.2 points per game (1.6 below their season average) and allowed an average of 67.6 points per game (3.9 below their season average).
