Virginia vs. Villanova Prediction, Pick Against the Spread, Latest Odds
The Villanova Wildcats will look to bounce back after a rivalry defeat when they meet the Virginia Cavaliers on Friday evening. Can Eric Dixon and the Wildcats start hot and pick up a critical win in this neutral-site battle? Matt McCuen thinks so, and explains why in his Virginia vs. Villanova prediction and pick.
Matt McCuen - November 15, 2024, 12:52 PM EST
4 minVirginia vs. Villanova Prediction, Pick Against the Spread, Latest Odds
The Virginia Cavaliers and the Villanova Wildcats will clash from Baltimore, Maryland, on Friday night.
Virginia pulls into the contest with a record of 2-0. The Cavs won their season opener 65-56 over Campbell. The Hoos took care of business in their last game out, with a 62-45 win over Coppin State.
In the offseason, legendary Virginia coach Tony Bennett stepped down from his head coaching job. Ron Sanchez took over as the program's head coach shortly after Bennett's departure.
Tonight will be the toughest test of the season for this Virginia team. The Cavaliers have reached March Madness nine times since 2013. Virginia won the National Championship in 2019.
Virginia vs. Villanova Odds
Virginia vs. Villanova Date, Time and Where to Watch
- Date: November 15, 2024
- Time: 5:00 pm ET
- Where to watch: TNT
Virginia vs. Villanova Prediction
Freshman Jacob Cofie leads the team with 13.5 points per game and 8.5 rebounds.
Elijah Saunders has averaged 13.0 points and 5.0 rebounds.
Poca, West Virginia native Isaac McKneely has added 12.5 points and 4.0 rebounds.
Villanova starts this game with a record of 2-2. Nova was upset in their second game of the season by Columbia, in a game where they were double-digit favorites at home. The Cats answered back with a 91-54 win over NJIT.
Villanova lost the Holy War against rival St. Joe's earlier in the week. Tonight is a crucial game for Villanova. The Wildcats have missed March Madness back-to-back years. Nova is 37-35 over the last three seasons.
Head coach Kyle Neptune is on the hot seat after a sluggish start to a crucial season. Legendary head coach Jay Wright led the Cats to March 16 Madness appearances and two National Championships since he took over the program in 2001, before retiring a few years ago.
Senior Eric Dixon has averaged 26.3 points and 8.3 rebounds per game.
Miami transfer Wooga Poplar is off to a strong start with the Cats, averaging 15.3 points and 7.5 rebounds.
La Salle transfer Jhamir Brickus has averaged 12.0 points and a team-best 4.5 assists.
Nova has averaged 80.5 points per game.
Virginia vs. Villanova Pick
- Pick: Villanova -4 -110 Click here for complete Virginia vs. Villanova odds
- Pick: Villanova 1H -2 -110 Check the latest UVA vs. Nova prop odds
The line screams Villanova, and we will trust the line today.
Despite a poor 2-2 start to the season, we see the Cats as four-point favorites today.
Virginia has struggled to score early in the season against below-average teams.
The Cavaliers will once again struggle tonight to keep pace in this game.
Let's stay hot on the hardwood!
