The No. 2 Villanova Wildcats (27-4, 14-4 Big East) take on the Marquette Golden Eagles (19-12, 10-9 Big East) in the Big East Conference Tourney at Madison Square Garden. The game starts at 7 p.m. ET on Thursday, March 8, 2018.
Marquette Golden Eagles vs. Villanova Wildcats Free Prediction
The last time the Golden Eagles played, they topped the DePaul Blue Demons, 72-69. Marquette held the Blue Demons to an effective field goal percentage of 0.473 (below the 0.534 mark opponents have averaged against Marquette this season). DePaul, meanwhile, had an offensive rebounding percentage of 41.7 (above their season average of 32.7). With 25 points on 8-for-20 shooting, Andrew Rowsey was the top scorer from either team.
The Wildcats easily got past the Georgetown Hoyas in their last game, 97-73. Villanova’s 0.689 effective field goal percentage was their largest advantage over Georgetown, who had a rate of 0.451. The Wildcats’ mark was above their season average of 0.594, while the Hoyas’ was below their season average of 0.522. Mikal Bridges led Villanova in scoring with 24 points on 8-for-13 shooting.
The high-octane offense of Villanova will battle against the bottom-tier defense of Marquette. The Wildcats currently rank first in offensive efficiency, while the Golden Eagles are 308th in defensive efficiency. The Wildcats figure to have the edge on that side of the ball.
Both teams have had a player take their game to the next level over their last five games. Rowsey (22.0 points and 7.0 assists) has been fantastic for the Golden Eagles while Bridges (22.4 points, 5.2 rebounds and 1.6 steals) has contributed greatly to the Wildcats.
The Wildcats have emerged victorious in both games against the Golden Eagles this year, escaping with a close three-point victory in their last matchup. The Wildcats made 19 of their 24 free throws (79.2 percent) and had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (37.5 vs. 32.3). Jalen Brunson was the game’s leading scorer with 31 points.
Marquette Golden Eagles vs. Villanova Wildcats Betting Pick
College Basketball Prediction: SU Winner – Villanova, ATS Winner – Villanova, O/U – Over
Notes
Betting Notes:
Villanova ranks 15th in assists per game (16.9) while Marquette ranks 237th in assists allowed per game (15.0).
The Wildcats rank 146th in rebounds per game (35.3) while the Golden Eagles rank 263rd (32.4).
Marquette averages 26.6 three pointers per game, which ranks 24th in the NCAA. Villanova ranks 130th in three pointers allowed per game (21.2).
The Wildcats rank ninth in steals allowed per game (4.6) while the Golden Eagles rank 83rd (5.7).
Villanova allows the 36th-fewest blocks per game (2.6) while Marquette ranks 58th (2.8).
Bettings Trends:
The Golden Eagles’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 3.0, down from 3.6 for the season.
During their last five games, the Wildcats have scored an average of 87.4 points per game (0.2 above their season average) and allowed an average of 74.2 points per game (3.0 above their season average).
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