The Utah State Aggies and Villanova Wildcats meet Friday in the college basketball NCAA Tournament at the Viejas Arena. Here’s a Villanova vs. Utah State Prediction. This article will include a Villanova vs. Utah State Pick.
Utah State Aggies Betting Preview
The Utah State Aggies beat Nevada and San Diego State. Utah State has won 5 of its last 6 games.
The Utah State Aggies are averaging 85.8 points on 50.1 percent shooting and allowing 73.5 points on 42.5 percent shooting. MJ Collins Jr. is averaging 17.6 points and 2.4 rebounds, while Mason Falslev is averaging 16.1 points and 3.1 assists. Karson Templin is dishing out 0.8 assists, and Drake Allen is grabbing 3 rebounds. The Utah State Aggies are shooting 36.3 percent from beyond the arc and 70.9 percent from the free throw line. The Utah State Aggies are allowing 34 percent shooting from deep and are grabbing 31.6 rebounds per game.
Villanova Wildcats Betting Preview
The Villanova Wildcats beat Xavier and lost to Georgetown. Villanova has split its last 6 games.
The Villanova Wildcats are averaging 77.6 points on 45.9 percent shooting and allowing 70.6 points on 44.8 percent shooting. Tyler Perkins is averaging 13.7 points and 5.4 rebounds, while Duke Brennan is averaging 12.4 points and 10.3 rebounds. Acaden Lewis is the third double-digit scorer and Bryce Lindsay is dishing 2 assists. The Villanova Wildcats are shooting 35.7 percent from beyond the arc and 69.2 percent from the free throw line. The Villanova Wildcats are allowing 33.7 percent shooting from deep and are grabbing 30.9 rebounds per game.
Why the Villanova Wildcats will win
- Villanova has won each of its last 12 NCAA Tournament games against a lower seed.
- Villanova has won the first half in each of its last six NCAA Tournament games against a lower seed.
Why the Utah State Aggies will win
- Utah State has won 20 of its last 21 day games against non-AP-ranked opponents at a neutral venue.
- Villanova has lost four of its last five day games played at neutral venues.
- Utah State has won the first half in seven of its last eight day games against non-Conference opponents.
Total Points Facts
- Each of Villanova’s last nine NCAA Tournament games against a lower seed have produced a total of 145 or fewer points.
- Each of Utah State’s last four games against non-Conference opponents at neutral venues has produced a total of 154+ points.
Matchup/League Facts
- Villanova ranks T25th among Division 1 teams for opponent steals per game this season (5.2).
- Villanova ranks T27th among Division 1 teams for opponent blocks per game this season (2.5).
- Utah State ranks 13th among Division 1 teams for effective field goal percentage this season (57.7%).
- Utah State ranks 14th among Division 1 teams for field goal percentage this season (50.1%).
Villanova vs Utah State Prediction
Utah State has the edge offensively and has been the sexier team this season, but I’ve been high on Villanova all season and will gladly take the free bucket. Villanova has the edge in experience, comes from a tough Big East, and its slower-paced defensive style is enough to grind out a victory. A clash of styles, Villanova will have its chances to control the pace of play.
Villanova is also 19-13 ATS on the season, while Utah State is 15-18 ATS. I have this game as a pick ’em, so getting points is where I want to be. Give me Villanova and the free bucket.