The game of the weekend looked like it was going to be in the Big East, on Saturday February 8, 2020, but with both teams coming off a poor last few games this game has lost some of its luster. Regardless, it is going to be a big game as the #12 Seton Hall Pirates (17-5 overall 9-1 Big East) travel to Philadelphia to take on the #10 Villanova Wildcats (17-5 overall 7-3 Big East).
Seton Hall sits atop the Big East standings and could take a stranglehold of the conference with a win this weekend. The Pirates have a two game lead over Villanova and three game lead over #19 Butler, #21 Creighton, Marquette and Providence. A three game lead this late in the season would be an almost insurmountable lead. Seton Hall would a three seed in the South region according to Joe Lunardi’s latest Bracketology.
Villanova needs to win this weekend to stay with the Pirates atop the conference and luckily for the Wildcats they get this game at home. The Wildcats would be a four seed in the East if the NCAA Tournament started today.
Below is my best bet for #12 Seton Hall at #10 Villanova. All odds are from Bet Online.
#12 Seton Hall Pirates at #10 Villanova Wildcats (-3): O/U 139.5 (-110/-110)
Seton Hall used another big game from Myles Powell to come away with a 78-71 road win over Georgetown midweek. The Pirates led most of the way through to comfortably come away with the win and bounce back from their weekend loss. Seton Hall has now won 11 of their last 12 games and look to be National Championship contenders. The Pirates are 6-2 on the road, 14-7-1 against the spread and the under has hit in 11 of their 22 games this season.
Villanova lost their second consecutive game 79-76 at Butler midweek. In a game that was within single digits the entire time, Kamar Baldwin hit a buzzer-beating 3-pointer to give the Bulldogs the big home win. Villanova is 10-1 at home, 9-10-3 against the spread and the under has hit in 12 of their 22 games this season.
Series History: These two schools have met 104 times in the past and it is Villanova who leads the all-time series 68-36. The Wildcats have won seven of the last eight meetings between the two.
Prediction: I expect Villanova to bounce back and get the big win at home. I am backing Villanova -3 Saturday afternoon.
YTD College Basketball Results: 2-2