Nova Report
The 21-6 Villanova Wildcats are on Campus to battle the 15-13 Butter Bulldogs. Tip is 7:00 pm eastern on FS1. Villanova is -10.5/146.5.
Butler is looking to make it three wins in a row after beating Georgetown and Xavier. Butler lost to Villanova 85-67 on January 3. In that game, Nova shot 70% in the second half. The Wildcats are home again after a disappointing 10 point loss to UCONN.
Butler is led by Finley Bizjack 17.5 ppg, 35.6% from 3 and Michael Ajayi 16 ppg. Jamie Kaiser, 9.7 ppg, 35.7% from 3 is a guy who can get hot. 6’11” Yohan Traore, 8 ppg, has been playing much better as evidenced by his 21 points last out vs. Xavier. Coach Motta has shortened the number of guys he’s playing as of late. Not sure if that will work vs the depth of Villanova. Butler gets to the foul line a lot, doesn’t foul much and takes care of the ball (6 turnovers in the last two games).
Villanova was stymied by UCONN’s adjustments in the 2nd half last game. They certainly learned a few things to help going forward. Lindsay went back in his slump and is now joined by Askew. Hopefully, one of them shakes it tonight. Acaden Lewis was beat defensively by UCONN and was benched in the last 5 minutes. Perkins, Brennan, Hodge and Palmer continue to contribute though UCONN shut down Brennan last game. Nova should find open shots easier tonight. Butler has height which will be a challenge but the ‘Cats can go 10 players deep which will help.
The line seems a bit steep but maybe the Books think Nova rolls this evening.
Nova Pick: 5 point teaser Nova-5.5/Over 141.5
Nova Pick Record:13-13-1