The Marquette Golden Eagles (11-4, 2-1 Big East) visit No. 3 Villanova to play the Wildcats (11-1, 0-1 Big East) in a game that has the potential to be high-scoring. The game starts at 8 p.m. ET on Saturday, January 6, 2018.
Villanova opened as a 15.5-point favorite, while the Over/Under (O/U) for the game has been set at 163 points.
Marquette Golden Eagles at Villanova Wildcats Betting Prediction
In the Golden Eagles’ last matchup, they defeated the Providence Friars, 95-90. Marquette’s turnover percentage was their largest strength over Providence. The Golden Eagles had a rate of 15.7 (worse than their season average of 14.9), while the Friars posted a mark of 18.0. With 52 points on 17-for-29 shooting, Markus Howard was the top scorer from either team.
The Wildcats lost to the Butler Bulldogs in their last matchup, 101-93. Butler’s 0.233 free throw rate was their largest advantage over Villanova, who had a mark of 0.070. The Bulldogs’ mark was above their season average of 0.198, while the Wildcats’ was below their season average of 0.245. With 31 points on 12-for-21 shooting, Jalen Brunson was the game’s leading scorer.
The prolific offense of Villanova will go head-to-head against the porous defense of Marquette. The Wildcats rank fourth in offensive efficiency, while the Golden Eagles are 271st in defensive efficiency. The Wildcats should have the edge on that side of the ball.
After splitting two games last season, this will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams. In the most recent contest, the Golden Eagles won 74-72. Marquette had a better free throw rate (0.250 vs. 0.179). Villanova, on the other hand, had a much better turnover percentage (9.8 vs. 16.3).
Marquette Golden Eagles vs. Villanova Wildcats Pick
Predictions: SU Winner – Villanova, ATS Winner – Marquette, O/U – Under
Notes
Betting Notes:
Villanova ranks 138th in rebounds per game (36.3) while Marquette ranks 250th (31.6).
The Wildcats average 16.8 assists per game, which ranks 42nd in the NCAA. The Golden Eagles rank 142nd in assists allowed per game (13.9).
Marquette averages 29.1 three pointers per game, which ranks 11th in the nation. Villanova ranks 104th in three pointers allowed per game (21.3).
The Wildcats are 20th in the NCAA with 4.9 steals allowed per game while the Golden Eagles are 47th with 5.5 steals allowed per game.
Marquette allows the 35th-fewest blocks per game (2.5) while Villanova ranks 59th (2.9).
Bettings Trends:
The Golden Eagles’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 12.0, up from 8.3 for the season.
During their last five games, the Wildcats have scored an average of 88.0 points per game (1.3 above their season average) and allowed an average of 75.8 points per game (8.3 above their season average).
