UConn vs Villanova Odds, Picks and Predictions: Huskies Thrive Against Top Competition

The No. 1 team in the country will try to push its winning streak to seven in a row as the Connecticut Huskies hit the road to take on the Villanova Wildcats on Saturday night.

Connecticut is coming off a 14-point win over the Creighton Bluejays on Wednesday. Villanova has lost two of its last three and now sits third in the Big East standings at 4-2 in conference play.

The college basketball odds only see the Huskies as a small favorite in this game, though a returning player might give them a bit of a boost on Saturday. We’ll break down the matchup in our free college basketball picks and predictions for Connecticut vs. Villanova on January 20.

UConn vs Villanova best odds

UConn vs Villanova picks and predictions

It’s a new year in college basketball, and once again, Connecticut is one of the top teams in the country. The Huskies are the defending national champions and have won the title three times since 2011, making them one of the most dominant programs in the nation.

This year’s squad has lived up to that mantle. Beyond the impressive record, UConn has recorded wins against the likes of the Gonzaga Bulldogs, North Carolina Tar Heels, Texas Longhorns, and Indiana Hoosiers, all on neutral courts. The Huskies are on top of the Big East standings with a 6-1 record and have won six straight, three of which have come by double digits.

As usual, the Huskies have plenty of depth, which includes four players scoring over 13 points per game. Until Wednesday, Connecticut had to survive five games without one of those players: center Donovan Clingan (13.3 ppg).

Against Creighton, Clingan slipped right back into the lineup, scoring six points while grabbing five rebounds and blocking two shots. The 7-foor-2 center adds yet another dimension for the Huskies, forcing opponents to deal with imposing size to go along with talented perimeter scorers like Cam Spencer (15.5 ppg), Alex Karaban (15.3 ppg), and Tristen Newton (14.9 ppg).

Connecticut will be tested again on Saturday. Despite some recent losses, Villanova is still one of the top teams in the Big East, and senior forward Eric Dixon (15.3 ppg) can cause problems for any opponent. This is not a game in which we should expect the Huskies to simply blow out the Wildcats in the first half and run away with the game.

However, UConn is the more talented team from top to bottom, and getting Clingan back should make a significant difference here. In a Monday loss to the Marquette Golden Eagles, Villanova was outscored 60-18 in the paint, while Marquette was incredibly efficient near the rim. Clingan not only gives the Huskies a player who can take advantage of this but also will help them get more opportunities, as Connecticut tallied 21 offensive rebounds against Creighton.

In a game where the Huskies would always be favored, the addition of Clingan changes matters significantly. Connecticut is the better team and Villanova won’t have answers for the varied weapons the Huskies can deploy throughout the game.

My best bet: Connecticut -4.5 (-105 at BetMGM)

UConn vs Villanova same-game parlay

Connecticut -4.5

Under 139.5

Eric Dixon Under 14.5 points

+405 at DraftKings

For my same-game parlay, I’m predicting a great night for the Huskies defense and a tough challenge for Villanova’s top scorers. That starts with again taking Connecticut to cover the 4.5-point spread. I’m also going to place a bet on the Under. While both teams are capable of going into shootouts, each prefers to play at a slower pace. In particular, the Wildcats will struggle to score, but Connecticut won’t be lighting up the scoreboard either.

Finally, I’m going to take Villanova star Eric Dixon to go Under his scoring prop of 14.5 points. This will be one of Dixon’s toughest tests of the year, and he’s gone Under 14.5 points in five of his last eight games. With scoring limited in tonight’s game, the Huskies will keep Dixon below his number.

Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.

UConn vs Villanova spread and Over/Under analysis

Connecticut opened as a four-point favorite. Most books have stayed on that number, though some have also moved up to UConn -4.5. Generally, the 4.5-point spreads offer a discount on the Huskies, with Connecticut available at -105 or better on that number.

Both teams have performed well against the spread this year. Connecticut has gone 11-7 ATS on the season, while Villanova has put up a 9-8 ATS mark.

I made Connecticut my best bet of the night. This was already a game that the Huskies would expect to win on the road, even before we consider that Villanova has been struggling a bit. In particular, the Wildcats have had trouble with interior size, something that will be a factor now that Connecticut has Clingan back on the court.

The Over/Under on this game opened at 139.5. Some books have stayed on that number, while others have dropped the total a point down to 138.5. You can get the Under at a reduced -105 price at the lower number, or take Over 139.5 at the same -105 odds.

Neither team has a strong trend against the total this year. Connecticut has put up a 9-8-1 record for the Over, while the Under holds a slim 9-8 edge when Villanova plays this season.

Like most teams, these two have played to totals that are all over the map against various opponents this year. However, each side likes to slow games down when they have the opportunity. Connecticut just played a game to a 110-point total against Creighton, while Villanova played to 112 points in a loss to the Drexel Dragons earlier this season. With both teams on the same page tempo-wise, I’m leaning towards the Under tonight.

UConn vs Villanova betting trend to know

Connecticut is 4-1 ATS in its last five games overall. Find more college basketball betting trends for UConn vs. Villanova.

UConn vs Villanova game info

UConn vs Villanova key injuries

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