How to Bet Villanova vs. Iowa March Madness Odds

Posted by D.Zamzack on Sunday,March 20, 2016 7:01, EDT in

Given the easy victory 86-56 rount over UNC Asheville in the first round of the NCAA basketball tournament, the question for Villanova has been: What’s Next? Their next opponent is the Iowa Hawkeyes, who got past the Temple Owls thanks to a last second shot at the close of the first overtime. The two teams are set to meet this Sunday in the Round of 32, and we have a complete game preview with March Madness odds and a betting prediction for all college hoops fans.

How to Bet Villanova Wildcats vs. Iowa Hawkeyes March Madness Odds

When: Sunday, March 20, 2016, 12:10 PM ET (approx)
Where: Barclays Center, Brooklyn, NY
TV: CBS
Radio: Villanova Radio Live Stream
Online Live Stream: CBS Sports,
NCAAB Odds: Villanova (-7)

Villanova enters this game holding a slight advantage over Iowa in the National rankings. The Wildcats are a #2 seed in the region and beat UNC Asheville convincingly in the first round. Iowa holds a very shaky #7 seed and barely beat #10 Temple in the first round, needing overtime to prevail, 72-70.

Why should you bet on the Iowa Hawkeyes?

Iowa barely made it out of the first round, and they tried to give it away late in the second half. They missed two key free throws in the last minute and then fouled a Temple shooter behind the arc, giving him three free throws that sent the game to overtime. This was Iowa’s first big win in over a month, though, so they might be finding their winning ways once again. However, they will have to hit the boards more passionately than they have in a while, or Villanova will get second chance points in bunches.

Why should you put your money on Villanova Wildcats?

It’s true that Villanova won their first-round game by 30 points, but UNC Asheville was not that much competition, shooting under 37 percent from the field and less than 30 percent from downtown. If Villanova is to get past Iowa, they will need Daniel Ochefu to dominate inside. He scored 17 points and pulled down 10 boards against UNC Asheville but did not appear that taxed by the game. Ryan Arcidiacono nailed four threes and scored 14 total points in 31 minutes, and they will need him to be that “on” with his shot in the second round as well.

Expert Pick and Final Score Prediction

Temple should have driven the final nail into Iowa’s coffin but failed to do so. Villanova will not make that same mistake. I’m picking Villanova to roll over Iowa, 84-72.