The No. 8 Villanova Wildcats (21-6, 14-3 Big East) visit the No. 20 Connecticut Huskies (19-7, 10-5) Tuesday at XL Center in Hartford, Conn. Tip-off is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET (FS1). Below, we look at the Villanova vs. Connecticut odds and lines, and make our expert college basketball picks, predictions and bets.
The Wildcats have picked up five consecutive victories since a loss at Marquette Feb. 2, but ‘Nova has covered just once in its last four outings. Villanova posted an 85-74 win against the Huskies Feb. 5 in the first game after the loss to the Golden Eagles to kick off the win streak.
The Huskies are unbeaten in three straight games after a loss at Xavier Feb. 11. UConn snapped an 0-3 against the spread (ATS) skid with a cover against the Musketeers in a revenge game Feb. 19. The Under has hit in each of its last three outings.
Rankings courtesy of the Ferris Mowers Coaches Poll powered by USA TODAY Sports.
Villanova at Connecticut odds, spread and lines
Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 6:38 a.m. ET.
- Money line: Villanova +115 (bet $100 to win $115) | Connecticut -140 (bet $140 to win $100)
- Against the spread: Villanova +2.5 (-120) | Connecticut -2.5 (-105)
- Over/Under (O/U): 135.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)
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Villanova at Connecticut odds, lines, picks and predictions
Prediction
Villanova 73, Connecticut 68
Money line
VILLANOVA (+115) is a solid play on the road at plus money.
The Wildcats have won five consecutive games and eight of their past nine outings overall. That includes an 11-point win over UConn in the first meeting.
The Huskies have posted three straight victories, but they’re still just 4-3 SU across their last seven games while going 2-6 ATS in the past eight. The Wildcats are a much better play straight up.
Against the spread
Villanova is a better play straight up rather than catching just two and a half points. Catching this little bit of points doesn’t make sense. Just roll with the money line unless you’re dead set that this is going to be a one-point win for UConn. PASS.
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Over/Under
The OVER 135.5 (-110) hit in the first meeting, and the Over has been the play for Villanova lately as it’s 6-2 in its last eight road games. The Over is even more impressive for UConn, going 25-11 in its last 36 games at home and 9-4 in the past 13 as a home favorite.
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