Nova Report
The 17-5 Villanova Wildcats are in Washington, DC to play the 13-10 Georgetown Hoyas. Tip is noon eastern on TNT. Nova is -3.5/138.5. (Line now -2.5 as of 11:00 am). The Hoyas last lost on January 21 to Villanova 66-51. Since then they have not lost a game winning at Butler, at Providence, Creighton and DePaul. One difference is the return of 7’1” Vince Iwuchukwu who has scored double digits in their last four games. Additionally, their two star guards who were atrocious vs Villanova have come to life. Mack at 15.8 at ppg and Lewis at 17.8 ppg are on a roll. A late season run is unlikely to get them into the Big Dance but certainly would help in recruiting.
For Villanova, every game is crucial as it will take 22 wins to get an NCAA bid. The Hoyas are a club they need to beat. Just like Seton Hall, Georgetown will press the Wildcats as the Hall forced Villanova into more turnovers than their average. Lewis and Mack can shoot from the outside as well as take it to the rim. The goal for the opposition is always to foul out Brennan of the Wildcats. Coach Willard is going 10 deep in the rotation. This will help with the Hoya press. Additionally, as they can play 4 good 3 point shooters, it will probably wear out Georgetown as the game gets late.
Nova’s Coach Willard understands his team’s weaknesses despite the fact they are definitely playing better defensively. He’ll have his boys ready. I’m on Nova -3 (buying 1/2).
Nova Pick: Villanova-3 (bought 1/2)
Nova Pick Record: 11-10-1