Villanova vs UConn 3/11/22 College Basketball Picks, Predictions, Odds
UConn Huskies (23-8) vs. Villanova Wildcats (24-7)
March 11, 2022 9:00 pm EDT
The Line: Villanova Wildcats -2 ; Over/Under: 131.5
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The UConn Huskies and the Villanova Wildcats meet Friday in Big East Tournament college basketball action from Madison Square Garden. UConn is 23-8 on the year. The Huskies took out Seton Hall in tournament activity on Thursday. As for Villanova, they’re currently 24-7 and coming off a Thursday tournament victory versus St. John’s. Check back all season long for free college basketball picks at Sports Chat Place.
UConn has made a good living as a consistent team this year. The Huskies had a 1-3 run in February but they’ve only lost one game since then. It’s been a 7-1 run over the last eight games for UConn, with current consecutive wins over DePaul and Seton Hall.
In the Thursday tournament matchup versus Seton Hall, the Huskies had a nice run 29-18 in the first half. UConn kept the pace from there and took the 62-52 victory. Both Tyrese Martin and RJ Cole scored 17 points apiece in the win, combining for 13 rebounds as well.
Over on the Villanova side, they’ve been great all year; the Wildcats have lost consecutive games just once this season. Villanova last lost to UConn on February 22, but since then they’ve beaten Providence, Butler and St. John’s in succession.
On Thursday in the tournament game against St. John’s, the Wildcats faced a 23-30 deficit going into the second half. Villanova hit their stride on a 43-35 run in the second for a comeback win 66-65. Caleb Daniels led the team with 19 points and seven rebounds.
PICK: I’m leaning toward Villanova here, but it’s close. You could probably make a good case either way. That said, the Wildcats have been on a great run lately despite a few close escapes. The scoring has been solid along the way; Villanova has hit 69 or more points in 10 of their last 11 games.
As for UConn, they lost 85-74 the first time these teams met up (February 5) but were able to get the 71-69 win in the rematch February 22. The Huskies have been rolling since mid-February and should be right in this one until the end. It’ll be a fun matchup to watch.
