The No. 1 Villanova Wildcats (30-4) square off against the No. 16 Radford Highlanders (23-12) in the First Round of the NCAA Tournament at PPG Paints Arena. The game is scheduled to get underway at 6:50 p.m. ET on Thursday, March 15, 2018.
Radford Highlanders vs. Villanova Wildcats ATS Prediction
In the First Four, the Highlanders beat the No. 16 LIU Brooklyn Blackbirds, 71-61. The Highlanders held the Blackbirds to an offensive rebounding percentage of 16.7 (below their season average of 30.2) and an effective field goal percentage of 0.450 (below their season average of 0.525). With 13 points on 3-for-10 shooting, Ed Polite Jr. was Radford’s leading scorer.
The Wildcats beat the Providence Friars in the , 76-66. The Wildcats held the Friars to an effective field goal percentage of 0.426 (below their season average of 0.499) and had an offensive rebounding percentage of 42.1 (above their season average of 28.4). Jalen Brunson was the top scorer from either team with 31 points on 12-for-23 shooting.
Villanova should have the edge on the offensive side of the ball. The Wildcats currently rank second in effective field goal percentage (0.597), while Radford ranks 115th in effective field goal percentage allowed (0.494).
Both teams have had a player take their game to the next level over their last five games. Carlik Jones (12.8 points, 4.0 assists and 1.8 steals) has been fantastic for the Highlanders while Mikal Bridges (21.6 points, 6.6 rebounds, 1.8 steals and 1.2 blocks) has made solid contributions to the Wildcats.
Radford Highlanders vs. Villanova Wildcats Free Pick
Free Basketball Tip: SU Winner – Villanova, ATS Winner – Villanova, O/U – Under
Notes
Betting Notes:
Villanova ranks 20th in assists per game (16.7) while Radford ranks 226th (12.3).
The Wildcats rank ninth in three pointers attempted per game (28.7) while the Highlanders rank 142nd (22.0).
Villanova ranks 43rd in blocks allowed per game (2.7) while Radford ranks 115th (3.3).
The Wildcats allow the ninth-fewest steals per game (4.6) while the Highlanders rank 57th (5.5).
Radford ranks 25th in rebounds allowed per game (31.5) while Villanova ranks 61st (32.7).
Bettings Trends:
The Highlanders’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 10.2, up from 3.2 for the season.
During their last five games, the Wildcats have scored an average of 84.6 points per game (2.5 below their season average) and allowed an average of 69.0 points per game (1.9 below their season average).
xxxxx
