The number one ranked Villanova Wildcats have defied public betting NCAA Basketball gravity. Despite being one of the most popular teams on the board the Wildcats have been able to maintain excellent value. Head coach Jay Wright has built an offensive juggernaut that is primed for a Final Four run. Junior guard Jalen Brunson has emerged as one of the top floor managers in the nation. The Providence Friars are on the bubble for a fifth straight March Madness invite. A strong stretch drive is imperative for head coach Ed Cooley’s program. The Friars have offered the betting public no value and even less appeal.
Villanova Wildcats vs. Providence Friars
Date and Time: Wednesday, February 14, 2018, 7 p.m. Eastern
Location: Dunkin’ Donuts Center, Providence, Rhode Island
NCAA Betting Online Odds at SBG:
Villanova -9½ (-110) 153 (-110)
Providence +9½ (-110) 153 (-110)
Wildcats vs. Friars TV Coverage: FS1
Providence has been an unappealing public betting NCAA Basketball commodity. The Friars have a record of 16-9 straight up but 8-15 against the spread. At home they have lost eight out of 12 games against the spread. Providence has failed to get the money in four out of their last five games. Under the total has hit in three out of their last four tilts. In their last game the Friars were embarrassed in a bad 80-63 home loss to lowly DePaul.
The Villanova Wildcats are tied for first place in the Big East with Xavier. They have an overall record of 23-2 straight up and 17-8 against the spread. Nova has covered the spread in five out of eight away games. In their last ten games the consistent Wildcats have paid out seven times. Over the total has hit in their last six straight games. Villanova is coming off a strong 86-75 home payout against Butler. Jalen Brunson starred with 27 points in the win. Jay Wright’s team ranks third in the nation for scoring offense. The sharpshooting Wildcats rank eighth in the country for field goal percentage. Brunson leads Nova with 20 points per game. A second national championship in three years is a realistic possibility for Villanova.
Providence has provided surprisingly good online sportsbook value in their series with Villanova. The Friars have come away with the cash in five out of their last seven games against the Wildcats. Over the total has hit in three out of the last four meetings in this head to head series. Villanova has paid out in just two out of their last six visits to Providence. Under the total has hit in the last two games in this series at Dunkin’ Donuts Center. In the last series meeting on January 23 the Wildcats scored an 89-69 home payout.
Matchup to Watch
Villanova has been a phenomenal public betting NCAA Basketball value this season. Jalen Brunson and the offense transform them into a consistent betting value. Providence lacks the ability and depth to realistically hang with the Wildcats. Villanova boasts the best player on the floor. They also have the swagger of a champion.
Wildcats vs. Friars NCAA games Betting Odds Picks
Villanova rates as the superior betting value and team. Providence has been inconsistent and sloppy. Villanova is the call.
NCAA Betting Online Pick: Villanova Wildcats
NCAA Betting Online Score Prediction: Wildcats 77, Friars 63
Check out highlights of Villanova’s win over Butler.