It will be a showdown between two exceptional defenses when the Penn Quakers (8-2) challenge the 21st-ranked Villanova Wildcats (8-2) at Palestra. The game starts at 7 p.m. ET on Tuesday, December 11, 2018, and will air on ESPN2.
Villanova Wildcats at Penn Quakers Betting Odds
Both teams were victorious in their last game. The Quakers edged the George Mason Patriots 72-71, while the Wildcats had no trouble getting past the Morgan State Bears 100-77.
Villanova dominated nearly every facet of the game. They had a free throw rate of 0.299 and an offensive rebounding percentage of 44.4. For those same stats, Morgan State was 0.085 and 25.6, respectively. Penn, on the other hand, was 8-20 on three pointers (40.0 percent). They also held George Mason to 2-8 (25.0 percent). Penn was led by AJ Brodeur, who had 19 points and 10 rebounds. Eric Paschall, meanwhile was a key piece for Villanova with 26 points and seven rebounds.
The Wildcats won the lone contest between these two teams last season, 90-62. Converting at the free throw line was one of Villanova’s largest strengths. They were 16-19 (84.2 percent), while the Quakers were just 8-13 (61.5 percent). This is the first time these teams will meet this year.
Second-chance points could be few and far between for Penn in this battle. The Quakers rank 262nd in offensive rebounding percentage (26.4 percent), while Villanova ranks 43rd in defensive rebounding percentage (75.6 percent). Moreover, the 55th-ranked offense of the Wildcats (offensive efficiency of 112.7) will face off against the 29th-ranked defense of the Quakers (defensive efficiency of 93.1).
Villanova Wildcats at Penn Quakers Free Pick
Free Prediction: SU Winner – Villanova, ATS Winner – Villanova, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- Penn ranks 45th in steals per game (7.5) while Villanova ranks 217th (5.0).
- The Wildcats rank 22nd in blocks allowed per game (2.4) while the Quakers rank 89th (3.1).
- Villanova ranks ninth in three pointers per game (29.8) while Penn ranks 59th (25.1).
- The Wildcats rank 21st in rebounds allowed per game (31.2) while the Quakers rank 111th (34.0).
- Penn ranks third in assists allowed per game (8.9) while Villanova ranks 84th (12.2).
Bettings Trends:
- The Wildcats\u2019 average margin of victory in their last five games has been 9.6, down from 10.2 for the season.
- During their last five games, the Quakers have scored an average of 76.2 points per game (3.7 below their season average) and allowed an average of 68.6 points per game (1.8 above their season average).
