Creighton vs Villanova Odds, Pick
| Creighton Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Point Spread | Total Points | Moneyline |
-1.5 -105 | 137.5 -110o / -110u | -115 |
| Villanova Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Point Spread | Total Points | Moneyline |
+1.5 -115 | 137.5 -110o / -110u | -105 |
The Villanova Wildcats are on the bubble heading into Saturday's matchup against the Creighton Bluejays and can likely punch a ticket into the dance if they defeat the Bluejays at home.
It will be Senior Night at the Wells Fargo Center, and the home crowd is fully aware of the importance of this contest.
As for Creighton, this is also a semi-crucial game as it has a chance to lock up the No. 2 seed in the Big East tournament next week.
Creighton Bluejays
The Creighton Bluejays have been showcasing their balance over the past month. They rank in the top 25 in both offensive and defensive adjusted efficiency and have a solid 78% free-throw percentage.
Creighton's talented guards make it a strong contender to make a deep run in March, even with their loss to the Wildcats in January. During that game, the Bluejays struggled from beyond the arc, shooting 5-for-24 from deep. Ryan Kalkbrenner also adds to the team's strength as a great big man.
However, the Wildcats are a tough team to beat — something to keep in mind if you're looking ahead to the NCAA tournament. Their style of play, which involves grinding the game to a halt and relying on great defense and free-throw shooting, isn't compatible with the Bluejays' high-tempo offense.
Despite Creighton's offensive talent, a slow start against the Wildcats may be challenging to overcome. Villanova, especially on Senior Night, will be highly motivated. Therefore, it seems like this will be a difficult matchup for the Bluejays.
Villanova Wildcats
Despite Villanova's fan base calling for Kyle Neptune to be fired about a month ago, the Wildcats have turned things around and are now on the bubble. Teams usually get up and play well for the seniors in their final home game, and this is a good spot for the Wildcats.
In fact, Neptune said that the Wildcats are approaching this game like it's their "Super Bowl."
Creighton's offensive and defensive stats are better than Villanova's, but the play styles are vastly different.
The Wildcats slow things down on both ends of the floor and rely on their defense, which is ranked 13th in adjusted defensive efficiency. They also have a pretty good offensive efficiency, which is ranked 62nd in the nation.
Though they aren't the most efficient team from beyond the arc or inside the paint, their excellent free-throw shooting and ability to get to the free-throw line allow them to score points without the clock running. The Bluejays tend to foul a lot on defense, which is exactly what the Wildcats want.
If they come up with another terrific defensive game plan, they will coast to victory at home.
Creighton vs Villanova
Betting Pick & Prediction
I believe in the long-term potential of the Bluejays team and am intrigued enough to possibly invest in them in the futures market. My interest in the team tends to peak during NCAA Tournament season, but the recent loss to Seton Hall has me convinced that the Wildcats will come out hungry and determined to win.
Villanova has a solid defense and is the top free-throw-shooting team in the nation, which should serve it well against Creighton.
Neptune's team has also been performing well lately, with a consistent rotation that makes them an intriguing team to watch going forward.
Pick: Villanova +1 (Play to -2)
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