Expert prediction
No. 5 UConn vs Villanova Preview, Odds, Predictions (Feb. 21)
Pick rationale
Analysis & key factors
- The Huskies look to bounce back from their upset loss to Creighton.
- The Wildcats are rolling with a six-game winning streak.
- This marks the 80th all-time matchup between the two Big East squads.
The Big East will enjoy a huge conference showdown when the Villanova Wildcats host the No. 5 UConn Huskies on Saturday evening. The ranked squad comes out as the slight favorite, but the Wildcats have the talent to give the conference powerhouse a run for their money.
How to Watch
- When: Saturday, Feb. 21, 5:30 pm ET
- Where: Xfinity Mobile Arena, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- How to Watch: TNT
NCAA Matchup Odds & Lines
| Team | Odds | Spread | Totals |
|---|---|---|---|
| UConn | -115 | -2.5 | O141 |
| Villanova | -105 | +2.5 | U141 |
Game Preview
Dan Hurley and the No. 5 Huskies (24-3, 14-2 Big East) continue to be in the race for the regular-season title, competing with St. John’s and even Villanova. They are 3-2 throughout its February games so far, recently losing to Creighton at home. Solo Ball leads the Huskies with 14.4 points per game, looking to lead the attack against Villanova. Tarris Reed Jr. is second on the squad with 13.7 points per game while leading the rebounding and blocking categories with 7.7 rebounds and two blocks per game. On another note, Silas Demary Jr. is the conference’s top playmaker, dishing out 6.5 assists per game along with 11.5 points and 4.5 rebounds.
The Wildcats (21-5, 12-3 Big East) are on fire as they have won six straight games, making their way up the conference standings. They look to have a favorable spot in the conference tournament and make an At-Large bid for the NCAA Tournament, recently coming off wins over Creighton and Xavier. Acaden Lewis is the second-leading scorer this season with 12.7 points and dishing out 5.3 assists per contest, while Duke Brennan contributes 12.3 points and 10.7 rebounds per game. Tyler Perkins leads the squad in scoring with 13.7 points to go with 5.6 rebounds on 44.3% shooting from the field.
UConn vs Villanova Head-to-Head
The two programs have had 79 meetings in their history, and the result is 40-39 for the Wildcats. The last matchup was on January this year when UConn won 75-67 in overtime at home.
UConn vs Villanova Predictions
This will be an important showdown as it places direct implications on the Big East regular-season title race. UConn is in a heated race with St. John’s for the top spot while Villanova is on the outside looking in. Despite this, the Wildcats will look to take advantage of the Huskies’ slight dip in form and avenge their previous loss to their conference rival and create chaos in the title race. Our betting pick here is the Wildcats to cover a 2.5-point spread.
- Free NCAAB pick: Villanova Wildcats +2.5
NCAAB
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