Nova Report
The 24-8 Villanova Wildcats are in San Diego to take on the 28-6 Mountain West Champions, the Utah State Aggies. Tip is 4:10 pm eastern. Utah State is -1.5/146.5. Game is on TNT.
Utah State steam rolled over everyone in their Conference Championship. They are coming in smoking hot. It’s their fourth straight appearance in the NCAA’s. They shoot 59% inside the arc good for 11th nationally. They are led by Conference Player of the Year, Mason Falslev, 16.1 ppg, 41% from 3, 56% from 2. The other stud guard is MJ Collins, 17.6 ppg, 62% from 2, 35% from 3. They also play at guard Drake Allen who leads them in assists and steals, scored 13 in their Conference Championship game. They play a 4 man rotation upfront with Karlson Templar, 6th man of the year in Conference being the most consistent. They like to force teams to score inside the arc, they are 16th nationally at creating turnovers. Additionally, they have played at this Arena this season and are not time zone challenged like Villanova.
However, coming from a one bid league, Nova will be the toughest team they’ve played all season.
On the Wildcats side, they SHOULD have an advantage inside with Duke Brennan. Expect the Cats to go early and often inside to him. They also have more three point shooters than Utah St has guards. Lastly, expect Coach Willard to save his match up zone for the second half which may confuse the Aggies when they play it.
There is pretty much no one picking the Wildcats in this one. So, what are the keys to victory. Due to injuries, the Cats will only play 7 people so no fouls are a must. Acaden Lewis who has tensed up in prime time needs to be his normally calm self.
Lindsay needs to come out of his slump. Perkins and Askew need to lead the offensive charge. And, needless to say, they need to stop one of the two Utah St guards. Lastly, slow the pace.
Going down with the ship and taking Nova+1.5.
Nova Pick: Wildcats +1.5
Nova Pick Record: 16-15-1
A little color commentary. Utah St played Grand Canyon twice this year. Nova’s Duke Brennan played for Grand Canyon last season. He reached out to his ex teammates to get inside info on Utah St that you may not catch on tape. Duke is also bringing 150 of his family and friends to the game.
Go ‘Cats🍀