The No. 4 Villanova Wildcats (6-0) look to remain unbeaten when they go head-to-head with the Saint Joseph’s Hawks (4-3) at Michael J. Hagan ’85 Arena. The game will air on ESPN2 at 5:30 p.m. ET on Saturday, December 2, 2017.
The game’s Over/Under (O/U) has been set at 145.5 points with Villanova opening as a 13.5-point favorite.
Villanova Wildcats vs. Saint Joseph’s Hawks Free Prediction
The last time the Wildcats played, they beat the UNI Panthers, 64-50. The Wildcats were 8-11 from the foul line (72.7 percent) and had a turnover percentage of 4.7 (better than their season average of 16.3). Villanova rallied around Mikal Bridges, who was the game’s high scorer with 18 points on 8-for-14 shooting.
The Hawks defeated the Bucknell Bison in their last matchup, 83-70. Saint Joseph’s’ 0.250 free throw rate was their largest advantage over Bucknell, who had a mark of 0.152. The Hawks’ mark was above their season average of 0.230, while the Bison’s was below their season average of 0.301. With 19 points, 10 rebounds and six assists, Saint Joseph’s’ Shavar Newkirk had a good outing.
The ineffective offense of Saint Joseph’s will clash against the top-notch defense of Villanova. Dating back to the 2016-17 season, the Hawks rank 257th in offensive efficiency, while the Wildcats are 16th in defensive efficiency. The Wildcats figure to have the edge on that end of the court.
Villanova holds records of 6-0 straight up (SU) and 5-2 against the spread (ATS). There does not appear to be a trend for games including the Wildcats in regards to the total, as there has been an even split between games finishing over and under.
Meanwhile, Saint Joseph’s owns records of 4-3 SU and 2-4 ATS. Of the Hawks’ 6 games that accepted bets, 4 have finished over the projected point total.
The Wildcats won the only contest against the Hawks last season, 88-57. The Wildcats had a much better effective field goal percentage (0.645 vs. 0.379) and had a better offensive rebounding percentage (31.3 vs. 27.3).
Villanova Wildcats at Saint Joseph’s Hawks Betting Pick
Predictions: SU Winner – Villanova, ATS Winner – Villanova, O/U – Under
Notes
Betting Notes (2016-Present):
Villanova averages 23.8 three pointers per game, which ranks 68th in the NCAA. Saint Joseph’s ranks 318th in three pointers allowed per game (26.3).
The Wildcats rank sixth in rebounds allowed per game (30.0) while the Hawks rank 224th (36.4).
Villanova ranks 46th in steals per game (7.4) while Saint Joseph’s ranks 236th (5.2).
The Wildcats rank 125th in assists per game (14.2) while the Hawks rank 268th in assists allowed per game (14.9).
Villanova ranks eighth in blocks allowed per game (2.2) while Saint Joseph’s ranks 80th (3.1).
