The Villanova Wildcats will likely lose their No. 1 national ranking after losing to conference rival and nationally-ranked No. 5 Xavier on Wednesday night, but all that means in my opinion is that college hoops betting buffs can expect the Wildcats to pound the snot out of Marquette when thy meet on Saturday at the Bradley Center. Here’s why.
How To Bet The Villanova Wildcats vs. Marquette Golden Eagles NCAAB Odds & TV Info
When: February 27, 2:00 PM
Where: BMO Harris Bradley Center, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
TV: FOX
Radio: 94WIP
TV Stream: FoxSportsGo
NCAAB Odds: TBA
Why Bet The Villanova Wildcats
Villanova had its seven-game winning streak snapped in their humbling 90-83 loss against Xavier on Wednesday while failing to cover the spread as a 1.5-point road favorite. “I think this is one of best games they’ve played this year,” coach Jay Wright said. They just played smart. They were a little bit better in each area of the game.”
The Wildcats gave up a season-high 90 points and saw Kris Jenkins foul out with almost nine minutes remaining after scoring a team-high 22 points. The good news is for Wildcats fans and betting backers is that Villanova has won and covered the spread in three of its last four road games and ranks 12th in the nation in defense (62.5 ppg).
Why Bet The Marquette Golden Eagles
Marquette has won two straight and three of their last four games including a hard-fought 66-61 victory over Creighton on Wednesday night. Henry Ellenson scored 22 points and grabbed 10 rebounds to lead the Golden Eagles to victory while Jajuan Johnson added 15 points and nine rebounds and Duane Wilson, 14 points.
Despite their recent winning ways, Marquette is just 3-3 SU over its last six games and faces an uphill battle in order to beat what will surely be a ticked-off Villanova squad in this contest. The Golden Eagles average 75.1 points per game while allowing 71.2 points per game defensively.
Expert Pick & Final Score Prediction
Villanova has won eight of its last nine road games and pounded Marquette 83-68 at home earlier this season despite failing to cover the spread as an 18-point home fave. The Wildcats are also 8-2 SU and 7-2-1 ATS in their last 10 meetings against the Golden Eagles while Marquette has gone 2-8 ATS in their last 10 home games.
The bottom line for this matchup is that Villanova has too much talent, not to mention a huge chip on their collective shoulders after losing to Xavier. Villanova wins going away!
My final score prediction: Villanova 81 Marquette 73
