The Villanova Wildcats (9-2) are set to face off against the Seton Hall Pirates (11-1) in what promises to be an exciting Big East matchup at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey on Tuesday at 7 p.m. ET. The game can be viewed on Peacock. Villanova has had a strong performance in recent matchups against Seton Hall, winning three consecutive games and boasting an impressive 11-1 record in their last twelve encounters since 2020.
Both teams come into this game with momentum. Villanova is fresh off a thrilling 76-66 overtime victory against the Wisconsin Badgers, where guard Tyler Perkins led the Wildcats with 19 points and forward Duke Brennan contributed a double-double with 13 points and 11 rebounds. This win stretches Villanova’s success to nine victories in their last ten games, and they have covered the spread in four of their last five outings. Notably, the total has alternated between the Over and Under in all eleven of their games this season.
On the other hand, Seton Hall secured a solid 72-67 win against the Providence Friars in their Big East opener, with guard Tajuan Simpkins coming off the bench to score a team-high 22 points, complemented by forward Stephon Payne’s strong performance with 18 points and 16 rebounds. The Pirates have won their last five games, having only suffered one loss this season during the Maui Invitational against the USC Trojans. They have also performed well against the spread, covering in three consecutive games and achieving a 6-1 record against the spread in their last seven games.
As for betting odds from BetMGM Sportsbook, Seton Hall is currently favored at -135 on the moneyline, while Villanova stands at +110. The spread is tight, with Villanova at +1.5 and Seton Hall at -1.5. The total for the game is set at 132.5.
Analysis of the matchup leads to the prediction of a close contest, with Seton Hall likely edging out Villanova with a score of 73-69. As for betting strategy, placing a bet on Seton Hall at -1.5 appears to be a wiser choice than the moneyline due to a more favorable payout for the spread. Additionally, with Villanova averaging 88 points per game and showing proficiency in 3-point shooting at 36.7%, the Over 132.5 could be a strong consideration in this high-energy game.
Overall, this matchup not only features teams with strong performances and winning streaks but also sets the stage for a fiercely competitive game within the Big East, promising excitement for fans and bettors alike.