It will be a contest between two sensational offenses when the Marquette Golden Eagles (10-3, 0-1 Big East) clash against the 10th-ranked Villanova Wildcats (10-2, 1-0 Big East) at Fiserv Forum. Action begins at 2 p.m. ET on Saturday, January 4, 2020.
Villanova Wildcats vs. Marquette Golden Eagles Betting Odds
In their last matchup, the Golden Eagles fell to the Creighton Bluejays, 92-75, while the Wildcats were victorious over the Xavier Musketeers, 68-62.
Villanova dominated nearly every stat category in the game. They had a free throw rate of 0.177 (matching their season average) and a turnover percentage of 13.7 (better than their season average of 15.3). For those same stats, Xavier was 0.121 and 18.3, respectively. Marquette, meanwhile, held Creighton to an offensive rebounding percentage of 19.4 (below the 27.3 mark opponents have averaged against Marquette this season). Brendan Bailey had a good performance for Marquette with 18 points and 11 rebounds. Meanwhile, Villanova was led by Collin Gillespie, who recorded 24 points and five assists.
This was a highly competitive series last year, as the teams split their two games last season. In the most recent game, the Wildcats won 67-61. The Wildcats’ 9.2 turnover percentage was their biggest advantage over the Golden Eagles, who had a mark of 25.6. This will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams.
Conflicting paces will be on display in this meeting. Marquette likes to play fast (52nd in possessions per game), while Villanova is methodical (254th in possessions per game). Furthermore, the Wildcats’ 40th-ranked offense (effective field goal percentage of 0.545) will clash against the Golden Eagles’ 23rd-ranked defense (effective field goal percentage allowed of 0.436).
Villanova Wildcats vs. Marquette Golden Eagles Odds Pick
Basketball Pick: SU Winner – Villanova, ATS Winner – Villanova, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- Marquette averages 14.9 assists per game, which ranks 60th in the nation. Villanova ranks 144th in assists allowed per game (13.1).
- The Wildcats average 26.5 three pointers per game, which ranks 39th in the NCAA. The Golden Eagles rank 91st in three pointers allowed per game (20.7).
- The Golden Eagles rank 34th in rebounds per game (40.3) while the Wildcats rank 111th (37.2).
- Marquette ranks 36th in blocks per game (4.7) while Villanova ranks 90th (3.5).
Bettings Trends:
- During their last five games, the Wildcats have scored an average of 72.0 points per game (5.3 below their season average) and allowed an average of 64.4 points per game (3.1 below their season average).
- The Golden Eagles’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 15.6, up from 10.8 for the season.
