The Connecticut Huskies (9-3) square off against the Villanova Wildcats (8-4) at Madison Square Garden. The game starts at 12:30 p.m. ET on Saturday, December 22, 2018.
Villanova Wildcats vs. Connecticut Huskies Betting Prediction
In the Wildcats’ last outing, they blew out the Morgan State Bears, 100-77. The Wildcats had a much better free throw rate (0.299 vs. 0.085) and had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (44.4 vs. 25.6). With 26 points on 7-for-11 shooting, Eric Paschall was the game’s high scorer.
The Huskies were victorious over the Morehead State Eagles in their last outing, 80-70. The Huskies had a better turnover percentage (15.4 vs. 19.9) and had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (37.8 vs. 32.5). Josh Carlton was the top scorer from either team with 17 points on 8-for-10 shooting from the field.
After the Wildcats won the sole contest against the Huskies last season, 81-61, these teams will meet for the first time this year. Villanova had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (40.0 vs. 20.0). Connecticut, meanwhile, did a terrific job of making free throws (13-15; 86.7 percent).
Jalen Adams and Alterique Gilbert have played well over the last five games for Connecticut. Adams has averaged 0 points per game. Not to be outdone, Gilbert has recorded 0 points a game during that span.
Opposite styles will be on display in this matchup. Connecticut prefers a fast-paced style of play (60th in possessions per game), while Villanova is slower-paced (323rd in possessions per game).
Villanova Wildcats vs. Connecticut Huskies Betting Pick
Free Basketball Tip: SU Winner – Connecticut, O/U – Over
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Notes
Betting Notes:
Villanova ranks 13th in three pointers attempted per game (29.3) while Connecticut ranks 142nd (22.2).
The Huskies rank 39th in steals per game (7.9) while the Wildcats rank 167th (5.0).
Villanova ranks 40th in rebounds allowed per game (31.8) while Connecticut ranks 109th (34.4).
The Huskies rank 21st in blocks per game (5.2) while the Wildcats rank 87th (3.4).
Bettings Trends:
The Wildcats’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 9.6, up from 8.0 for the season.
During their last five games, the Huskies have scored an average of 84.0 points per game (0.8 above their season average) and allowed an average of 75.4 points per game (4.8 above their season average).
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