Nova Report
The 11-2 Villanova Wildcats are in Indianapolis to take on the 10-4 Butler Bulldogs at high noon on TNT. Butler is -1.5/146.5. The line opened at Nova-1.5 but the Sharps gobbled Butler up and flipped the favorite.
I have watched the Bulldogs twice and they are a tough matchup for the Wildcats. They are taller and have two wide bodies that will punish Nova near the rim. They push the ball up court and Nova struggled in transition last out vs. DePaul. Butler DID lose their last game by 3 at Creighton. The Bluejays had two players who shot out of their minds from 3. Butler’s 2nd leading scorer (Bizjack, 15.9 ppg) couldn’t hit anything and was pulled by Coach Motta. Their two wide bodies are leading scorer Ajayi (16.6 ppg, 12.3 rebounds pg) and Traore (6’11” and scored 20 vs Creighton) Throw in 6’11” Jones, Hayward shooting 43% from 3 and Kaiser shooting 42% from 3 and this is a formidable foe.
The Wildcats escaped a game effort by DePaul 72-66 last out. When you are outrebounded, shoot 34% from the field vs 45% by your opponent, it’s a miracle you won. My belief is they will shoot much better today.
Butler will try to capitalize on Nova’s transition issues. Ajayi will attack the rim and try to get fouls on Nova’s Brennan. The Cats need to rebound and force Butler turnovers. I expect Bizjack of Butler to bounce back. Additionally, Nova’s Hodge was 0-9 last out and he should bounce back. Coach Willard benched Nova’s star guard Lewis in the last 5 minutes vs DePaul for defensive lapses. He’ll improve.
i think both clubs will score a bunch despite the early start. I’m going over.
Nova Pick: Over 146 (buying hook)
Nova Pick Record: 7-5-1