It figures to be a high-scoring affair as the 17th-ranked Villanova Wildcats (8-3) head to top-ranked Kansas to take on the Jayhawks (8-0). The game starts at 12 p.m. ET on Saturday, December 15, 2018, and will air on ESPN.
Villanova Wildcats vs. Kansas Jayhawks ATS Odds
Both teams were triumphant in their last game. The Jayhawks were victorious over the 10th-ranked Michigan State Spartans 92-87, while the Wildcats dismantled the Morgan State Bears 100-77.
Villanova played a nearly perfect game. They had a free throw rate of 0.299 and an offensive rebounding percentage of 44.4. For those same stats, Morgan State recorded marks of 0.085 and 25.6, respectively. Meanwhile, Kansas’ turnover percentage was their largest strength over Michigan State. The Jayhawks had a rate of 11.6, while the Spartans posted a mark of 19.5. Dedric Lawson played well for Kansas with 20 points, 14 rebounds and six assists. Villanova rallied around Eric Paschall, who recorded 26 points and seven rebounds.
The Wildcats won the lone game between these two teams last year, 95-79. Villanova’s 0.692 effective field goal percentage was its biggest strength over Kansas, who had a mark of 0.508.
This showdown figures to be a high-scoring affair as a pair of the nation’s premier offenses face off. Since the 2017-18 season, Kansas ranks 25th with 115.8 points per 100 possessions and Villanova is 57th (121.7). Moreover, the Wildcats rank 58th in offensive rebounding percentage (30.6 percent), while the Jayhawks rank 262nd in defensive rebounding percentage (69.7 percent).
Villanova Wildcats at Kansas Jayhawks Odds Pick
Free Pick: SU Winner – Kansas, ATS Winner – Villanova, O/U – Under
Betting Notes (2017-Present):
- Villanova ranks ninth in three pointers attempted per game (29.1) while Kansas ranks 230th in three pointers allowed per game (25.0).
- The Jayhawks rank 31st in assists per game (16.4) while the Wildcats rank 121st (15.8).
- Kansas ranks 42nd in steals allowed per game (5.3) while Villanova ranks 95th (5.1).
- The Wildcats rank 30th in rebounds allowed per game (32.5) while the Jayhawks rank 162nd (35.3).
- Villanova ranks 18th in blocks allowed per game (2.5) while Kansas ranks 136th (3.6).
