Nova Report
The 12-2 #24 Villanova Wildcats are on campus to take on the 9-6 Creighton Bluejays. Tip is 7:30 pm eastern on Peacock. Villanova is -6.5/143.
Creighton is coming off a heartbreaking 56-54 loss at Seton Hall. Villanova returns home after a 85-67 win at Butler. While Creighton shot 34% last out, the Wildcats shot 55% for the game, 70% in the second half. Creighton relies on 3 point shooting and 40% of their points come from beyond the arc. It is worth mentioning that Villanova has held opponents in their last 5 games to 28% from 3. Creighton is an average rebounding team, they don’t foul a lot and they don’t force a lot of turnovers. Josh Dix is their leading scorer at 12 ppg but Austin Swartz has been on a tear hitting 9/19 3’s in his last two games. Green averages 10.4 ppg and went off for 22 points vs. Butler two games ago. Traudt and Freeman at 6’10” are their rim protectors but have not generated a lot of blocked shots. Graves at 9.5 ppg and Harper at 8.5 ppg round out the players with the most playing time. They are coached by Greg McDermott, one of the best in the Big East.
For the Cats, they are playing with a 7 man rotation and are thin on the frontline as Gapare decided to leave the program. However, the lineup of Duke Brennan, a top 5 rebounder, and 4 shooters poses problems for opponents. Lindsay shoots 45% from 3 followed by Askew 40%, Perkins 38% and Hodge 34%. Lewis continues to run the show from the point and is improving every game. Lastly, Coach Willard, has made in game effective adjustments.
My biggest concern is the possible shooting regression for Villanova. Two games ago they shot 34%. They come back with a 55% game with 70% in the second half. Creighton has shooters and are due to bounce back after a 34% shooting game. The Nova defense will not change and that should be the difference in the game. Going to hedge with a Nova/Under teaser.
Nova Pick: 5 point teaser Villanova-1.5/Under148
Nova Pick Record: 8-5-1