Villanova and Marquette take center stage in a Friday evening Big East battle.
For Villanova to have any chance at a late NCAA Tournament push, they'll have to rebound from letting a double-digit lead slip away on the road in Connecticut and win this evening. Marquette has had an interesting month that has included three straight losses, but they boast back-to-back wins coming into this matchup.
All things considered, my Marquette vs. Villanova predictions and college basketball picks like the home team to get off to a strong start on Friday, February 21.
Marquette vs Villanova prediction
My best bet
Villanova first to 20 points (-105 at bet365)
My analysis
The Villanova Wildcats have done a good job getting up for these games.
In its last three games against opponents ranked in the Top 50, the Cats have held an advantage after 10 minutes in all of them. That strong start has held even more true when playing at home, whether at the Wells Fargo Center or elsewhere. With the context of that recent form and the matchup, I'm taking Villanova to be the first team to score 20 points as my best bet.
I'm not sure it impacts the handicap a ton, but it's still worth mentioning that the Wildcats should have an edge in the sense of urgency department. It's genuinely win-or-go-home as far as it relates to Villanova and its tournament chances. That said, I ponder if it impacts the handicap much, given that this game also has plenty of stakes for the Marquette Golden Eagles. Still, if you're wondering which team is most likely to come out of the gates playing with an edge, it would be Villanova, and they've shown that lately.
The heat on Villanova head coach Kyle Neptune has been fierce, but he's recently shown some quality in-game prep against elite competition. As mentioned, the Wildcats have held the lead in three straight games against top 50 opponents in the first ten minutes of a game. What's even more important than the quality of those teams is the quality of the coaches: Rick Pitino, Dan Hurley, and Sean Miller.
In that group, you already have one Hall of Fame coach and are nearly guaranteed to have at least one more. You'd have to like his chances against another good coach in Shaka Smart, who has had a team that has struggled on the road and is facing a clear tactical disadvantage.
That clear disadvantage is Marquette's struggles defensively against perimeter-cutting actions. This area has rapidly improved for Villanova over the last few weeks because of Eric Dixon, Wooga Poplar, and others. This has been a problematic spot for the Eagles defensively all year, as opponents are scoring on these sets against them at nearly a point-per-possession clip.
While I'm not sure who wins here, I expect Neptune to continue what he's done lately and gameplan for a weakness, and expose it early on.
Marquette vs Villanova same-game parlay (SGP)
Villanova first to 20 points
Eric Dixon Over 2.5 threes
I'm pairing a plus-money price on Eric Dixon Over 2.5 threes with my best bet.
Dixon needs little introduction as he's spent most of the season as the nation's leading scorer. He's only gone Over this number in one of his last three games, which is likely why it's priced where it is. However, in the most recent matchup at Marquette this season, he got up eight threes and made three of them.
Back at home, where he shoots notably better, I only expect this to improve.
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Marquette vs Villanova AI prediction
Marquette is poised to win tonight against Villanova due to their superior overall performance this season, particularly their strong offense and road record. With key players like Kam Jones, who averages 19.0 points and 5.8 assists per game, the Golden Eagles have the scoring power to outpace Villanova. Marquette's depth and consistency on both ends of the floor give them an edge, especially with Villanova struggling with consistency and injuries. Additionally, Marquette has already proven their ability to win on the road, making them the favorites to secure a close victory in this matchup.
Marquette vs Villanova score prediction
Marquette 73, Villanova 71
Given Marquette's recent form and Villanova's defensive improvements, the game is expected to be closely contested. A score prediction of 73-71 in favor of Marquette reflects this anticipated tight matchup.
Analysis and score prediction courtesy of ChatGPT.
Marquette vs Villanova odds
Marquette vs Villanova live odds
Marquette vs Villanova opening odds
- Spread: Marquette -2 | Villanova +2
- Moneyline: Marquette -118 | Villanova -102
- Over/Under: Over 142.5 | Under 142.5
Odds courtesy of bet365
Marquette vs Villanova betting trend to know
Villanova has hit the 1H Under in 20 of their last 35 games (+3.95 Units / 10% ROI). Find more college basketball betting trends for Marquette vs. Villanova.
How to watch Marquette vs Villanova
| Location | Finneran Pavilion, Villanova, PA |
| Date | Friday, 2-21-2025 |
| Tip-off | 7:00 p.m. ET |
| TV | FS1 |
Marquette vs Villanova key injuries
Not intended for use in MA.
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