The Villanova Wildcats (15-11) travel to face off against the Connecticut Huskies (24-3) on Saturday, February 24th. This game will be played at Gampel Pavilion in Storrs and televised on FOX. Villanova is coming off a win in their previous game, while Connecticut is looking to get back on track from a loss to the Creighton. Tip-off is set for 8:00 ET.
Villanova Wildcats vs Connecticut Huskies
The Villanova Wildcats Are Coming Off A Win
Heading into tonight’s game against Connecticut, Villanova has won three straight games, and their overall record stands at 15-11. In Big East play, the Wildcats are 8-7 compared to a non-conference mark of 7-4. As the underdog, Villanova has gone 2-5 this season, and they have been the underdog in seven of their 26 games.
On the road, the Wildcats have gone 4-6 this season, and their average scoring margin is +0.8 points per game. In their last 10 road games, Villanova has gone 4-6, and their record over the last five road games is 1-4. In their most recent game, the Wildcats defeated Butler by a score of 72-62.
As the underdog, Villanova has an ATS record of 3-3-1 this season and they are 14-11-1 overall. On the road, the Wildcats are 4-5-1 vs. the spread and over their last 10 games as the underdog, they have gone 3-6-1.
This season, the over/under record for Villanova games is 10-15-1. Today’s over/under line of 132.5 is lower than the average over/under line in their games this season (139.4). Over their last three games, the average scoring total is 130 points. In their last 10 games, the over/under record is 4-6.
The Connecticut Huskies Look To Bounce Back From A Loss
Connecticut enters this game with a record of 24-3, including a perfect 16-0 mark at home. They have won 10 straight games at home and have an average scoring margin of +24.1 points per game at home.
For the season, the Huskies have been favored in 26 of their 27 games and have gone 24-2 in those contests. So far, they have gone 14-2 in Big East games.
When looking at Connecticut’s ATS record this season, they have gone 15-11-1. At home, their ATS mark is 9-7. Over their last 10 games as the favorite, the Huskies have gone 6-4 vs. the spread.
Today’s over/under line of 132.5 is lower than the average over/under line in Connecticut’s games this season (145.4). This year, the over/under record in their games is 15-12. In their last three games, the over/under record is 2-1 and the average scoring total is 149.
Villanova Offense Breakdown
The Wildcats’ offense finished with 72 points in their previous game, mirroring their current average of 72.3 points per contest. Leading Villanova in scoring vs. Butler was Eric Dixon with his 22 points. Justin Moore also added 13 points for the Wildcats.
| Name | PPG | REB | AST |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eric Dixon (F) | 15.9 | 6.3 | 1.8 |
| TJ Bamba (G) | 10.4 | 3.6 | 1.8 |
| Tyler Burton (F) | 8.2 | 6.7 | 1.0 |
Connecticut Offense Breakdown
The Connecticut offense is coming off a game in which they scored 66 points vs. Creighton. Overall their field goal percentage was 44.1% while connecting on 3 threes. Tristen Newton led the scoring for the Huskies, contributing 27 points. Additionally, Donovan Clingan chipped in with 12 points.
| Name | PPG | REB | AST |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tristen Newton (G) | 15.4 | 6.9 | 5.7 |
| Cam Spencer (G) | 14.8 | 4.6 | 3.4 |
| Alex Karaban (F) | 14.3 | 5.3 | 1.5 |
Villanova Team Defense
At this time, the Wildcats’ defense is positioned 36th in the country, permitting 65.9 points per game. Villanova’s defense is coming off a game in which they allowed the Butler offense to knock down 49% of their shots on their way to putting up 62 points.
Connecticut Team Defense
This season, the Connecticut defense has been impressive, holding the 19th position in the country while permitting an average of 64.5 points per contest. Connecticut’s defense is coming off a game in which they allowed the Creighton offense to knock down 54% of their shots on their way to putting up 85 points.
Wildcats vs Huskies Trends
- Through their last three road contests, the Wildcats offense has averaged 68 points per game while allowing an average of 66. Villanova posted an overall record of 1-2 while going 1-1-1 ATS.
- In their last three home games, Connecticut has averaged 85 points per game while allowing 71. The team’s record in this stretch was 2-1 while going 2-1 vs. the spread.
- Looking back on the team’s last five games as the underdog, the Wildcats have a straight up record of 0-5. Their record vs the spread in these games was 1-3-1.
- Going back to their previous ten games as the favorite, Connecticut has an ATS mark of 6-4 while going 9-1 straight up.
Wildcats vs Huskies Prediction
For a point-spread bet in this Huskies vs. Huskies matchup, we’re leaning towards the Huskies at -12.5. Although our projections show the Huskies winning 75-69, we suggest placing your bet on the Wildcats for the point-spread.
Right now, the over/under line for the game is sitting at 132.5 and given that our model is projecting 144 points between the teams, we like the over.
All odds are courtesy of Action247 Sportsbook. Good luck!!
* All odds are provided by Action247 Sportsbook and all odds subject to change.**All views expressed are my own. My picks are my own and are not a guarantee, bet at your own risk.Action247 does not warrant the accuracy of completeness of the information, text, graphics, links or other items contained within these post.
Last updated:February 24, 2024 Connecticut Huskies, Villanova Wildcats