A monumental showdown is on tap this weekend in the Big East. Second-ranked UConn (18-1, 8-0) has its eyes set on another national title. If the Huskies are going to earn a top seed in the NCAA Tournament, they’ll need to take care of business against quality competition. Saturday presents an opportunity to do so against Villanova (15-4, 6-2). The Wildcats, in their first year under head coach Kevin Willard, have returned to national prominence. Now, they’ll look to make a massive statement at Hartford’s PeoplesBank Arena.
Which of these two rivals will come out on top this afternoon? UConn enters as 9.5-point favorites (-110) over Villanova. The total is set at 134.5 points on DraftKings Sportsbook. Here’s a college basketball pick, preview and prediction for Saturday’s game between the Villanova and UConn.
Villanova vs. UConn prediction, preview
It’s no exaggeration to say that the Wildcats are facing an uphill battle in this one. Still, this group is playing with a lot of confidence, having won eight of their last ten games. Leading the way is Bryce Lindsay, one of the Big East’s premier players. This season, the guard is averaging 14.7 points, 2.6 rebounds and 2.1 assists per game while shooting 40% from three-point range.
Lindsay isn’t the only difference-maker in Villanova’s backcourt. Willard’s guard-centric offense also includes junior Tyler Perkins and freshman standout Acaden Lewis. Together, the trio have combined for over half of the Wildcats’ points per game output. Transfer Duke Brennan has done an admirable job at center, averaging a double-double (12.1 PPG, 10.6 REB). However, no other player on this roster is grabbing 5.0 or more rebounds per game.
As previously mentioned, Nova will look to make its mark from deep on offense. However, that could play right into the hands of UConn. The Huskies are holding opponents to 27.5% shooting from three-point range, third-best in all of college basketball. Per KenPom, Connecticut also owns the nation’s fifth-best adjusted defensive efficiency margin (92.8). Only Providence and BYU have scored more than 73 points against UConn this season. The team’s average margin of victory is by a conference-best 15.2 points per game.
On the other end of the floor, a number of talented players are capable of stepping up. Still, this offense is centered around the veteran trio of Tarris Reed Jr., Solo Ball and Alex Karaban. New additions Silas Demary Jr. and Braylon Mullins have also impressed in the backcourt. This group doesn’t attempt many three-pointers, instead preferring to go inside. UConn has connected on 49% of its field goal attempts, 38th-best in college basketball. It helps that the Huskies are solid on the offensive glass. Villanova, one of the Big East’s smaller teams, will need to box out.
Villanova vs. UConn pick, best bet
This is an intriguing battle between an established contender and an up-and-coming program. Through two months of play, it’s clear that the future is bright for Villanova. Unfortunately, this is about as difficult a matchup as it gets. The Wildcats would prefer to space the floor and play small ball. That might not be feasible against what might be the nation’s best perimeter defense. UConn’s added size advantage will only make things tougher. Expect a comfortable win for the Huskies on Saturday afternoon.
