Despite standing at 20-2 on the season, Villanova continues to fly under-the-radar, which is perfectly fine with head coach Jay Wright. Villanova now looks to win its ninth consecutive game at home against Seton Hall, but our math model suggests that the oddsmakers are underestimating the Pirates.
Villanova Offense:
Villanova is averaging 80.9 points per game against teams that would combine to allow 70.5 points per game to a mediocre offensive squad. Moreover, the Wildcats are 10-1 SU and 7-2 ATS at home this season where they are averaging 81.2 points per game on 47.7% shooting from the field. Overall, Villanova is 10.4 points per game better than average offensively, which gives the Wildcats a 7.7 points per tame advantage over Seton Hall’s defense (70.7 points per game to teams that would combine to average 73.4 points per game).
Villanova Defense:
Villanova’s incredible balance on both ends of the floor is evidenced by the fact that the Wildcats are limiting opponents to just 67.5 points per game on 40.3% shooting from the floor. Moreover, coach Wright’s squad is allowing just 62.9 points per game at home on 39.4% shooting from the field. Overall, Villanova is 6.6 points per game better than average defensively, which is good enough to contain a Seton Hall attack that is 3.9 points per game better than average (75.5 points per game against teams that would combine to allow 71.6 points per game).
Sports bettors would be making a mistake to overlook Seton Hall as the Pirates are 7-1 ATS on the road this season and have covered the point spread in four of their last five games. Moreover, the Pirates are 6-3 ATS versus conference opponents and are looking to avenge an embarrassing 83-67 loss at home to Villanova last month. Seton Hall has also demonstrated an ability to win competitive games on the road as the Pirates own victories at Providence (81-80), Georgetown (67-57) and Xavier (68-60), while losing by just one point at both Marquette (67-66) and St. John’s (77-76).
From a technical standpoint, consider the following:
- Seton Hall is 13-5 ATS on the road versus teams with a winning record;
- Seton Hall is 23-9 ATS on the road versus teams with a win percentage of .801 or greater;
- Seton Hall is 10-1 ATS on the road versus teams who are outscoring their opposition by eight or more points per game;
- Seton Hall is 12-4 ATS in conference road games over the last two seasons;
- Seton Hall is 10-2 ATS on the road when playing with revenge.
Pro Edge Sports Pick: Seton Hall (+12.5) (-110)