The No. 5 Villanova Wildcats (4-0) and the Tennessee Volunteers (3-0) face off in the Battle 4 Atlantis at Imperial Arena at Atlantis Resort. Action gets underway at 12:30 p.m. ET on Thursday, November 23, 2017, and it can be seen on ESPN.
Tennessee Volunteers vs. Villanova Wildcats Betting Preview
The last time the Volunteers played, they edged the No. 18 Purdue Boilermakers, 78-75. With 13 points and 11 rebounds, Tennessees Kyle Alexander had a solid performance. The Volunteers had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (39.2 vs. 25.0) and had a much better turnover percentage (15.0 vs. 20.5).
The Wildcats hope to maintain momentum after defeating the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers in their last contest, 66-58. Villanova was led by Mikal Bridges, who contributed 17 points, eight rebounds and five steals. Villanova dominated every stat category in the game. They had a free throw rate of 0.123 (below their season average of 0.209) and an offensive rebounding percentage of 37.5 (above their season average of 32.4). For those same stats, Western Kentucky was 0.056 and 23.3, respectively.
The high-powered offense of Villanova will clash against the mid-tier defense of Tennessee. Since the 2016-17 season, the Wildcats rank fourth in offensive efficiency, while the Volunteers are 125th in defensive efficiency. The Wildcats should have the advantage on that side of the ball. Additionally, the Volunteers, who rank 24th in free throw attempt (FTA) rate (0.301), will go head-to-head against the Wildcats, who rank first in opponents FTA rate (0.152).
Tennessee Volunteers vs. Villanova Wildcats Prediction
Predictions: SU Winner – Villanova, ATS Winner – Villanova, O/U – Under
Betting Notes (2016-Present):
- The Wildcats rank 39th in steals allowed per game (5.2) while the Volunteers rank 109th (5.9).
- Tennessee averages 14.3 assists per game, which ranks 113th in the nation. Villanova ranks 163rd in assists allowed per game (13.3).
- Villanova ranks fifth in rebounds allowed per game (29.7) while Tennessee ranks 236th (36.7).
- The Wildcats rank 66th in three pointers attempted per game (23.9) while the Volunteers rank 272nd (18.4).
- Villanova ranks sixth in blocks allowed per game (2.1) while Tennessee ranks 183rd (3.7).