At the onset of his 2015 arrival to Texas coach, Shaka Smart has been all sizzle and no steak. Few programs have been a bigger disappointment with the college basketball lines. To be exact Smart has just two Big Dance appearances. Both times Texas lost in the round of 64. Smart has been rumored to be on one of college basketball’s hottest seats. However, Wednesday’s win over North Carolina may turn the tide. Texas is ranked 17th in the nation and it’s no accident. Smart’s program is taking off. But Sunday brings the ultimate test against Villanova.
Villanova Wildcats vs Texas Longhorns Betting Information
| Date and Time: | Sunday, December 6, 2020, 1 p.m. ET |
|---|---|
| Location: | Frank Erwin Special Events Center, Austin, Texas |
| Villanova at Texas TV Coverage: | ESPN |
| Team | Spread | Total | ML | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Villanova | +1.5 | 133.5 (-110) | – |  |
| Texas | -1.5 | 133.5 (-110) | – | |
| ||||
Villanova Wildcats at Texas Longhorns SBG Odds Overview
On the whole, we get a taste of March Madness as an early Christmas gift. Sharps will look hard at a Texas team that is finally taking shape. Squares will gravitate to the powerful sports betting brand of Villanova. To be fair Texas has busted a lot of bankrolls since Smart’s arrival. Counter to that is Villanova’s public popularity becoming a drain on cash. Taking Texas is something of a leap of faith. Of course, Nova is a proven program. But remember oddsmakers know of these perceptions. And will set the price accordingly.
Villanova Wildcats Team Overview
The last time out for Villanova was an 87-53 win and cover over Hartford as 26-point favorites. The win followed an 81-73 overtime loss to Virginia Tech. Ultimately coach Jay Wright and company were out to redeem themselves. As a result, Nova is 3-1 straight up, 2-2 against the spread, and 2-2 on totals. Nationally the Wildcats rank 91st for scoring offense and 126th for points allowed. Forward Jeremiah Robinson Earl leads with 15.5 points and 9.3 rebounds per game. While guard Collin Gillespie averages 15.3 points and 4.5 assists per outing.
Texas Longhorns Team Overview
So too is Texas off to the best possible start. North Carolina was the Longhorn’s latest victim in a 69-67 loss. Texas is 4-0 straight up, 3-1 vs. the odds, and 0-2 under the total. Nationally the Horns rank 123rd for scoring and 55th for points allowed. Namely, guard Matt Coleman III leads with 16.3 points and 5.0 assists per game.
Villanova Wildcats at Texas Longhorns Vs. The Line
The Wildcats are:
- 16-17-2 against the spread in all games
- 7-9-1 vs. the line in non-conference games
- 7-4-1 on the board in away games
- 14-21 under the total
- 3-9 under the total on the road
- 9-8 to the over in non-conference games
- 2-1 against the spread vs. Texas
- 0-3 under the total vs. Texas
The Longhorns are:
- 17-18 against the spread overall
- 7-11 vs. the odds at home
- 7-10 on the board in non-conference games
- 16-19 under the total in all games
- 8-10 under the total at home
- 8-9 under the number in non-conference games
Villanova Wildcats at Texas Longhorns SBG Free Picks
In this situation, Texas hosts a major opportunity with the College basketball lines. Look for the Longhorns to take full advantage of a big home crowd. All of a sudden Shaka is looking quite Smart!
Villanova at Texas SBG Best Bet: Texas Longhorns.