NCAAB: #10 Creighton vs Villanova Odds, and Picks (Mar 9)

• Creighton dominated Marquette on Saturday, winning by a score of 89-75.
• Villanova came up short at Seton Hall, losing 66-56, and dropping to 17-13.
• These two teams last met on December 20, in a game that Villanova won 68-66.

Selection Sunday is just two weeks away! Let’s look at this matchup between the Creighton Bluejays and the Villanova Wildcats. Villanova is right on the cusp of the NCAA Tournament bubble, needing a win here.

How to Watch

• FOX

Preview

Creighton has won six of their last seven games, surging up to a 2-seed in the projected field of 68. They are a lock to make the tournament for the 5th straight season, and hold an impressive 14-8 record against Quad 1 and 2 opponents. Creighton boasts one of the largest and most experienced lineups in college basketball, led by seniors Baylor Scheierman and Ryan Kalkbrenner who combine for 25 ppg and 16 rpg.

Villanova came up short at Seton Hall, but has still been playing their basketball of the season. They’ve won five of their last eight games, climbing from outside the bubble to right inside the projected field. The Wildcats still have work to do to lock up an at-large spot. A win here over Creighton would certainly help their chances of doing so. It would be a stunning turnaround after entering February with an 11-10 record.

Prediction

This should be a great matchup between two competitive Big East teams. Villanova won the first bout at Creighton by two points, which should give them a chance to win the rematch at home. They have higher stakes as a bubble team too. I foresee a similar result as the first game, with Villanova winning a close one.

NCAAB Picks:

• Villanova 71, Creighton 67 (NOVA +1.5)