Villanova vs. Marquette prediction, pick
The Villanova Wildcats take on the Marquette Golden Eagles. Check out our college basketball odds series for our Villanova Marquette prediction and pick. Find out how to watch Villanova Marquette.
The Villanova Wildcats were in the Final Four last year. This year, they will not even participate in the NCAA tournament. The Wildcats will need to win several games against the top half of the Big East Conference if they are to at least give themselves some degree of hope and optimism entering the Big East tournament, which they could use to win a bid. automatic at the NCAA. If you look closely at the Wildcats’ schedule and their overall results so far, going into February, you’ll see that their four Big East wins have come against just two opponents, St. John’s and Georgetown. They have not beaten any other team in the Big East. They lost to DePaul. They lost to Butler. It’s been a very rough ride for first-year head coach Kyle Neptune, who received Jay Wright’s blessing and approval as Wright’s successor in Philadelphia. Neptune didn’t have a perfectly healthy team, and that has to be acknowledged, but he also didn’t push the right buttons and clearly struggled to find a good rhythm in managing his team.
Courtesy of FanDuel, here are the Villanova-Marquette College Basketball odds:
College Basketball Odds: Villanova-Marquette Odds
Villanova Wildcats: +6.5 (-110)
Marquette Golden Eagles: -6.5 (-110)
More: 145.5 (-110)
Minus: 145.5 (-110)
How to watch Villanova vs. Marquette
Television: Fox Sports 1
Stream: Fox Sports app
Time: 8:30 p.m. ET, 5:30 p.m. PT
*Watch Villanova-Marquette LIVE with fuboTV (Click for free trial)*
Why Villanova could cover the spread
The Wildcats came close to beating Marquette the last time those two teams played. Villanova led by nine points, 48-39, with 17:45 left in regulation. Marquette rallied, but Villanova tied the game with 3:42 remaining and was still tied with 1:45 remaining. Marquette never led by more than three points throughout the 5:30 of the last game. United won 68-66, but the Golden Eagles had a real battle, probably a lot tougher than they expected. This game and everything that was part of it should give Villanova the confidence that he can play with Marquette and go blow for blow with hosts Milwaukee. Villanova hasn’t had a great season, but when you see how well and with what vigor Villanova competed against Marquette just over a month ago (December 31), the idea that he is an easy win and Marquette coverage should be reconsidered.
Why Marquette might cover the spread
The Golden Eagles didn’t play their best in that 68-66 win over Villanova on New Year’s Eve. They got just seven free throws, making just four. They gave up 11 offensive rebounds to Villanova and collected just six. There were a lot of things Marquette didn’t do well in this game. The Golden Eagles didn’t get over this game as they probably expected. The reality of not playing well in the first encounter against Villanova should actually help Marquette lock in and focus on this rematch. Marquette’s coach, Shaka Smart, should have no trouble motivating his team for this game and making sure his players understand the mission involved in this contest.
Villanova-Marquette final prediction and selection
Marquette didn’t play well against Villanova the first time these teams met. The second time should go easier. Villanova didn’t deserve the benefit of the doubt. Marquette, at home, should cover.
Villanova-Marquette final prediction and choice: Marquette -6.5