The Villanova Wildcats (7-5, 1-0 Big East) travel to Storrs to take on the No. 2 Connecticut Huskies (13-0, 2-0) Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. ET (FS1). Below, we analyze Tipico Sportsbook’s lines around the Villanova at Connecticut odds, and make our expert college basketball picks, predictions and bets.
Rankings courtesy of USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll.
UConn attempts to take another step in a magical season when it takes on Villanova in the 1st game after the holiday break. While Villanova has struggled out of the gate, the Huskies are undefeated and have been one of the best teams in the nation, ranking 16th with 83.6 points per game.
Villanova, under new coach Kyle Neptune, has yet to find its way this season. As Big East play resumes, this would be a good time to get things straightened out. While the Wildcats are in no risk of missing March, they are certainly in danger of a quick exit once the tournament starts if the team does not start to work together better and have the young freshmen step up.
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Villanova at UConn odds
Provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 10:03 a.m. ET.
- Moneyline (ML): Villanova +525 (bet $100 to win $525) | UConn -850 (bet $850 to win $100)
- Against the spread (ATS): Villanova +12.5 (-115) | UConn -12.5 (-105)
- Over/Under (O/U): 136.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)
Villanova at UConn picks and predictions
Prediction
UConn 77, Villanova 68
Moneyline
PASS.
In most seasons, this would be a great game in which both teams can win. This game is not in that mold. Villanova has struggled while UConn has continued to roll. The Huskies as -850 favorites feels correct. But it is also too high to make a wager on. UConn will eventually lose, but I do not see it being this game.
Against the spread
BET VILLANOVA +12.5 (-115).
Although the Cats are struggling, they are not a terrible team. As good as UConn is, I do not see this game finishing a double-digit spread. This is the right line for this game. It is just slightly elevated, and I will take the value on Villanova.
Over/Under
BET OVER 136.5 (-110).
UConn has averaged 83.6 PPG and while it may not happen Wednesday, the Huskies will get to the 70’s and Villanova will be forced to hit 3’s to keep up. With Villanova playing 3 guards as it normally does, this will be a shoot 1st ask questions later type of game and 136.5 is just a few points Under what it should be so the value is good. Take the Over 136.5 (-110) as my favorite play.
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