In their final home game of the season, the No. 8 Seton Hall Pirates (21-7, 13-3 Big East) host the No. 14 Villanova Wildcats (22-7, 11-5 Big East) at Prudential Center. The game begins at 8:30 p.m. ET on Wednesday, March 4, 2020.
Villanova Wildcats at Seton Hall Pirates Betting Prediction
The Wildcats are trying to rebound after their 58-54 loss to the Providence Friars in their last matchup. Getting to the charity stripe was one of Providence’s biggest advantages. They made 25 trips to the line, while Villanova went 18 times. Jeremiah Robinson-Earl put together a good performance for Villanova, recording 10 points and 11 rebounds.
In the Pirates’ last game, they defeated the Marquette Golden Eagles, 88-79 as Two point underdogs on the road as per BetMGM Sportsbook. The Pirates had a ridiculously low turnover percentage of 8.3 (better than their season average of 16.9) and had an effective field goal percentage of 0.642 (above their season average of 0.509). With 26 points and nine rebounds, Seton Hall’s Sandro Mamukelashvili had a good performance.
This will be the second game of the season between these two teams. Mamukelashvili recorded 17 points and eight rebounds in the first game, in which the Pirates beat the Wildcats 70-64. The Pirates had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (30.6 vs. 17.9) and had a better free throw rate (0.224 vs. 0.180).
It will be a battle of contrasting styles as the up-and-down Pirates (ranked 93rd in the country in possessions per game) will look to push the more half-court-oriented Wildcats (269th in possessions per game). Furthermore, the 57th-ranked offense of the Wildcats (offensive efficiency of 108.6) will face off against the 56th-ranked defense of the Pirates (defensive efficiency of 95.0).
Villanova vs. Seton Hall Free Pick
Basketball Prediction: ATS Winner – Seton Hall, O/U – Over
Betting Trends
Seton Hall ranks third in blocks per game (6.1) while Villanova ranks 151st (2.7).
The Wildcats rank 111th in rebounds per game (36.4) while the Pirates rank 232nd in rebounds allowed per game (37.3).
Villanova ranks 22nd in three pointers attempted per game (27.5) while Seton Hall ranks 98th (23.6).
The Pirates average 14.6 assists per game, which ranks 54th in the NCAA. The Wildcats rank 91st in assists allowed per game (11.9).
The Wildcats’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 11.2, up from 7.2 for the season.
During their last five games, the Pirates have scored an average of 79.2 points per game (4.1 above their season average) and allowed an average of 75.4 points per game (8.2 above their season average).