Marquette vs. Villanova Prediction: Can Marquette Sweep the Season Series?

Marquette vs. Villanova Prediction: Can Marquette Sweep the Season Series?

The Villanova Wildcats will take on the Marquette Golden Eagles for the second time this season. In the first meeting between these two teams, Marquette defeated Villanova, on the road, winning 57-54.

All season long, Marquette has been dominant defensively. However, should we really expect another low-scoring game between Villanova and Marquette? Here are our picks and predictions for the Big East matchup between the Villanova Wildcats and the Marquette Golden Eagles.

Marquette vs. Villanova Start Time, Where to Watch, and Odds

Date: Wednesday, February 2

Game Time: 10:00 pm ET

Where to Watch: FS1

Click here for Marquette vs Villanova Odds

Marquette vs. Villanova Injury Report

Villanova

Doubtful: G Bryan Antoine (Ankle)

Marquette

No Injuries to Report

Villanova Wildcats vs. Marquette Golden Eagles Betting Line Movement

Marquette vs. Villanova Prediction

The Villanova Wildcats couldn't get much done offensively against the Marquette Golden Eagles in the first meeting. But normally, this Villanova offense is very good. The Wildcats average a 52.1 percent effective field goal percentage while only turning the ball over 14.7 percent of the time. The Wildcats should also dominate the glass and literally did that against Marquette in the first game, grabbing a whole bunch of offensive rebounds.

Villanova has hit 36.6 percent from downtown but just 49.6 percent from inside the arc. However, the Wildcats always benefit at the line, shooting 82.4 percent from the charity stripe, which is the best in the nation. The only problem is that Villanova doesn't get to the line very often. In the first meeting between these two teams, Villanova and Marquette only combined for seven free throws. So foul shooting was more of a non-factor than Villanova would've liked. Meanwhile, Marquette is holding teams to a 45.4 percent effective field goal percentage and limiting opponents to 30.9 percent from three and 45 percent from inside.

On the other hand, Villanova has held opponents to a 46.4 percent effective field goal percentage and opponents are only hitting 30.5 percent from three and 46.8 percent from inside. Again, Villanova should absolutely dominate on the boards, as Marquette is only grabbing 22.8 percent of offensive rebounds.

Still, Marquette is shooting at a high percentage and also doesn't turn the ball over often. The Golden Eagles have hit 35 percent from three and 52.1 percent from inside while only turning the ball over 17.6 percent of the time. If Marquette can limit foul shots and just grab a few more rebounds in this game, I like the Golden Eagles to cover against the spread and potentially win outright, at home.

Marquette Golden Eagles vs. Villanova Wildcats Pick

• Marquette +4.5 (-110) (Bet $110 to Win $100)