The Saint Joseph’s Hawks (2-7) and the 23rd-ranked Villanova Wildcats (6-2) square off at Michael J. Hagan ’85 Arena. The Hawks will attempt to snap their six-game losing streak. Action begins at 3 p.m. ET on Saturday, December 7, 2019, and can be seen on ESPN2.
Villanova Wildcats at Saint Joseph’s Hawks Betting Odds
In their last matchup, the Hawks got blown out by the Lafayette Leopards, 94-71, while the Wildcats were victorious over the Penn Quakers, 80-69.
Villanova dominated every facet of the game. They had a solid free throw rate of 0.271 (above their season average of 0.205) and an offensive rebounding percentage of 28.1 (below their season average of 30.8). For those same stats, Penn was 0.067 and 17.6, respectively. Saint Joseph’s, on the other hand, held Lafayette to an offensive rebounding percentage of 13.8 (below their season average of 27.1). Ryan Daly had a good game for Saint Joseph’s, contributing 25 points, six rebounds and five assists. Villanova, meanwhile, received a boost from Jeremiah Robinson-Earl, who finished with 13 points and 12 rebounds.
The Wildcats won the lone game between these two teams last season, 70-58. Villanova had a better effective field goal percentage (0.468 vs. 0.397). Saint Joseph’s, meanwhile, had a better free throw rate (0.207 vs. 0.175).
There’s a decent chance that Villanova struggles to create turnovers. Since the 2018-19 season, Saint Joseph’s ranks third in the NCAA at avoiding errors (turnover percentage of 14.7 percent), while Villanova has forced the 252nd-most turnovers (18.2 percent). Furthermore, the Wildcats’ 19th-ranked offense (offensive efficiency of 113.3) will try to take advantage of the Hawks’ 308th-ranked defense (defensive efficiency of 107.3).
Villanova at Saint Joseph’s Pick
Pick: SU Winner – Villanova, ATS Winner – Villanova, O/U – Over
Betting Notes (2018-Present):
- Villanova averages 29.2 three pointers per game, which ranks ninth in the nation. Saint Joseph’s ranks 275th in three pointers allowed per game (24.9).
- The Wildcats rank 28th in blocks allowed per game (2.5) while the Hawks rank 87th (3.0).
- Villanova is 43rd in the country with 5.4 steals allowed per game while Saint Joseph’s is 56th with 5.5 steals allowed per game.
- The Wildcats rank 67th in rebounds allowed per game (33.0) while the Hawks rank 280th (38.0).
- Villanova ranks 57th in assists per game (14.7) while Saint Joseph’s ranks 263rd in assists allowed per game (14.8).
