Expect a high-scoring game when the top-ranked Kansas Jayhawks (9-1) clash with the 18th-ranked Villanova Wildcats (8-2) at Wells Fargo Center. Action begins at 12 p.m. ET on Saturday, December 21, 2019.
Kansas Jayhawks vs. Villanova Wildcats ATS Odds
Both teams were victorious in their last game. The Wildcats were victorious over the Delaware Fightin’ Blue Hens 78-70, while the Jayhawks dismantled the Kansas City Roos 98-57.
Kansas played a perfect game. They had a free throw rate of 0.212 (matching their season average) and an offensive rebounding percentage of 38.7 (above their season average of 31.3). Kansas City recorded marks of 0.077 and 15.6, respectively, for those same stats. Villanova, on the other hand, played a nearly flawless game. They had an offensive rebounding percentage of 30.3 (below their season average of 31.1) and a free throw rate of 0.246 (above their season average of 0.229). For those same stats, Delaware was 4.0 and 0.149, respectively. Villanova was led by Jermaine Samuels, who finished with 18 points and five rebounds. David McCormack, meanwhile had a good outing for Kansas, finishing with 28 points and seven rebounds.
The Jayhawks won the only contest between these two teams last year, 74-71. Getting to the charity stripe was one of Kansas’ largest strengths. They had 30 free throw attempts, while Villanova had 19. This is the first time these teams will clash this year.
This battle pits one of the nation’s top offenses against one of its elite defenses. Villanova currently ranks seventh in offensive efficiency and Kansas ranks 27th in defensive efficiency.
Kansas Jayhawks at Villanova Wildcats Pick
College Basketball Pick: SU Winner – Kansas, ATS Winner – Kansas, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- Villanova averages 25.2 three pointers per game, which ranks 64th in the country. Kansas ranks 247th in three pointers allowed per game (28.1).
- The Jayhawks rank 19th in blocks allowed per game (2.2) while the Wildcats rank 56th (2.8).
- Kansas allows the 24th-fewest rebounds per game (30.9) while Villanova ranks 39th (31.6).
- The Jayhawks average 17.3 assists per game, which ranks 11th in the NCAA. The Wildcats rank 121st in assists allowed per game (12.9).
- Kansas ranks 25th in steals per game (9.2) while Villanova ranks 122nd (6.2).
Bettings Trends:
- The Wildcats’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 6.6, down from 11.1 for the season.
- During their last five games, the Jayhawks have scored an average of 85.2 points per game (0.6 above their season average) and allowed an average of 64.6 points per game (1.0 above their season average).
