Nova Report
Two 17-5 clubs in the Top 20 go at it in Philly at 2:30 eastern. It?s Seton Hall at Villanova. The Cats are-3.5/141.
This is a tough one to Cap. The Hall have won 10 of 11 and are the clear Beasts of the Big East. They boast the best player in the country in Myles Powell and hold opponents to under 30% from 3. They defend from inside with two 7?2? and one very mobile 6?11? player.
On the other hand, no one can remember when the Pirates last won in Philly. 1994 maybe? Additionally, they got clobbered by 28 in Philly a year ago. Villanova....no one can remember when they last lost 3 in a row or 2 of 3 at home. This year, if you shoot at least 50% from the field vs. the Cats, you win. Can Seton Hall shoot that?
If the Hall goes with their tall lineup, Nova will get clear 3 point shots. If they go small, Nova will have a rebounding advantage. The Cats interior defense has been exposed so you have to believe 6?11? Mamukelashvili and 7?2? Gill will get the ball a lot in the beginning. If they get bottled up, they?ll pass it out to Powell or McKnight.
Bottom line is both clubs can advantage themselves vs. the other.
What will happen. I think the Cats will play about as good a game as they have all year. They hate losing. However, the Pirates are more talented and certainly are looking for a bit of revenge. Nova will win as they rack up fouls on the Hall. But, just can?t trust them to cover the 3.5. However, I can trust that despite the Pirates trying to slow down the game, that it will go Over the 141. That is my play: Over 141.
Update: current line is Nova-4/139