How and what to watch for UConn vs. No. 10 Villanova

The UConn Huskies are looking to claw their way back into the conference title race on Saturday, as well as off the NCAA Tournament bubble, when they take on the No. 10 Villanova Wildcats

UConn’s return to the Big East hasn’t been as kind as they had hoped, with all of their losses coming against conference opponents. But even as they’ve struggled to get their footing they still sit within striking distance of the conference title, just two games back in the standings. Offensively Connecticut (10-5, 7-5 Big East) hasn’t been able to wow anybody, scoring just 71 points per game. But on the other side of the floor they’ve been solid, giving up just 65 points to their opponents on average. James Bouknight is the engine that drives the Huskies, as he scores over 20 points per game on average, nobody else is topping 12 points per contest. Bouknight has only played seven games all season but he seems to be good to go for this matchup.

Villanova (13-3, 8-2 Big East) has been one of the top teams in the nation this season. Last time out they did lose to No. 19 Creighton but the Wildcats offense is scoring close to 80 points per game while the defense is giving up under 70. ‘Nova has five players averaging double figures, but Jeremiah Robinson-Earl leads the way with 15.6 points per game and 7.3 boards each time out as well. KenPom lists them as the 5th-most efficient offense in the nation.

KenPom is giving the Wildcats a 71% chance to come away with a win over UConn.

Game Time/TV Channel/Streaming

You can watch UConn vs. Villanova on Saturday, February 20th at 1:00 p.m. ET on Fox, or you can stream it via this link or on the Fox Sports Go app with a cable or streaming service login. If you don’t have a cable login to access the Fox Sports Go app, you can get a free trial from YouTube TV, Hulu with Live TV, AT&T TV Now, FuboTV, or Sling TV to stream it.

Point Spread, Totals, Odds, Trends

Point spread: Villanova -6.5
Point Total: 137.5
Money line: UConn +235, Villanova -295

• UConn has been a solid play recently against the spread, going 10-3 ATS in their last 13
• The Huskies also tend to be a part of high scoring games, with the over hitting in five of their last seven
• The same can be said for Villanova, with the point total going over in eight of their last 10 games
• But the caveat is that in the last five meetings between these two teams, the under has hit in four of them. (None were this season)

The Best Bet

The trend of overs continues for both teams as 137.5 is an easy bar for them to clear in this league matchup.

Pick: Over 137.5

If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, crisis counseling and referral services can be accessed by calling 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537) (IL). Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ/MI/PA/WV), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (CO/NH), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA) or Call or Text the TN REDLINE: 800-889-9789. 21+ (18+ NH). NJ/PA/WV/IA/IN/CO/IL/TN/MI only. Eligibility restrictions apply. See draftkings.com/sportsbook for full terms and conditions.