2:00 p.m. ET: Villanova Wildcats (8-4) at Seton Hall Pirates (9-2)

Spread: Villanova -1
Total: 134.5

Villanova snapped a concerning two-game slide Dec. 21 by beating then-#18 Xavier 71-58. The Wildcats haven’t played since. Seton Hall visited #21 Providence on Wednesday for a belated Big East opener after spending almost 2 1/2 weeks in a COVID pause. The Pirates had 8 players available and lost 70-65. The Wildcats are averaging 72.5 points per game on 42.3% shooting from the field while allowing opponents to score 62.7 points per game. The Pirates are averaging 78.7 points per game on 45% shooting from the field while allowing opponents to score 62.6 points per game. Villanova loves to shoot threes and that’s where the Pirates can step it up. Villanova will be without Daniels which will be a big blow. Seton Hall also comes into this game with only 8 players dressing. If Seton Hall had a full roster this would be a no-brainer but the home-court advantage will be able to keep this team motivated to get the win. Take Seton Hall in this one.

Trends

• The Road team is 5-0 ATS in the last 5 meetings.
• The Underdog is 5-1 ATS in the last 6 meetings.

The Bookie:          Seton Hall +1 / Over 134.5
Fade the Public:   Seton Hall / Under
Sharp Action:       Seton Hall / Over