The 14th-ranked Villanova Wildcats (13-3) and their phenomenal offense host the UConn Huskies (10-6) and their tremendous defense. Action gets underway at 12 p.m. ET on Saturday, January 18, 2020.
UConn Huskies at Villanova Wildcats ATS Odds
In their last contest, the Wildcats beat the DePaul Blue Demons, 79-75, while the Huskies lost a close one to the 23rd-ranked Wichita State Shockers, 89-86.
The Wildcats made 18 of their 21 free throws (85.7 percent), while the Blue Demons had a turnover percentage of 19.7 (above the 15.7 mark opponents have averaged against Villanova this season). UConn, meanwhile, had a free throw rate of 0.426 (above their season average of 0.235). Villanova received a boost from Jeremiah Robinson-Earl, who recorded 13 points and 13 rebounds. Christian Vital fueled UConn with 25 points, five rebounds and five steals.
The Wildcats won the sole contest between these two teams last season, 81-58. Villanova’s 0.319 free throw rate was their biggest strength over UConn, who had a mark of 0.130. This is the first time these teams will go head-to-head this year.
The game should be a showdown of strength against strength as the high-octane offense of Villanova (29th in the country with an offensive efficiency of 110.8) takes on the top-notch defense of UConn (46th in the country with a defensive efficiency of 91.3). Also, the Huskies, who rank 50th in offensive rebounding percentage (33.4 percent), will go head-to-head against the Wildcats, who rank 59th in defensive rebounding percentage (75.2 percent).
UConn Huskies vs. Villanova Wildcats ATS Pick
Pick: SU Winner – Villanova, ATS Winner – Villanova, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- Villanova ranks 19th in three pointers attempted per game (27.9) while UConn ranks 183rd (20.8).
- The Wildcats rank 110th in rebounds per game (36.9) while the Huskies rank 190th in rebounds allowed per game (36.5).
- The Huskies average 7.1 blocks per game, which ranks first in the NCAA. The Wildcats rank 107th in blocks allowed per game (3.6).
- Villanova ranks 35th in assists per game (15.7) while UConn ranks 138th (13.1).
Bettings Trends:
- The Wildcats’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 3.6, down from 8.1 for the season.
- During their last five games, the Huskies have scored an average of 66.6 points per game (1.4 below their season average) and allowed an average of 67.8 points per game (6.9 above their season average).
