Villanova vs. Arizona State Predictions, Odds

• November 26, 2020
• By Thom Cunningham
• VegasInsider.com

The Big East’s Villanova Wildcats will take on the Pac-12's Arizona State Sun Devils this Thursday in a second round matchup in the 2K Empire Classic at the Mohegan Sun Arena.

BETTING RESOURCES

• Expert Picks: Vegas Insiders
• Venue: Mohegan Sun Arena
• Location: Uncasville, Connecticut
• Date: Thursday, November 26, 2020
• Time: 9:30 p.m.
• TV: ESPN
• Bet: BetMGM | BetRivers | FanDuel | PointsBet | All

Villanova-Arizona State Betting Odds

Line Movements

• Spread: Villanova -4.5
• Money-Line: Villanova -200 Arizona State +165
• Total: 155
• Implied Probability: Villanova 66.7%

Odds Subject to Change

Villanova struggled against Boston College in its first round game, surprising to say the least. Meanwhile, Arizona State won a hard fought battle against Rhode Island.

The two schools are evenly matched in terms of talent level and form of play after just one game. Using the first game as a measuring stick, Arizona State gets the slight edge.

Oddsmakers are still leaning towards Villanova after a scare last night, as the Wildcats are tough to beat on a neutral court. The point total is a bit intriguing, as Arizona State shot over 40 free throws again Rhode Island and features plenty of offensive weapons to showcase.

Heading into this game, it does appear that the offenses will thrive and the defenses will have their hands full.

Betting Analysis – Villanova Wildcats

2019-2020 Results - Straight Up - SU, Against the Spread - ATS, Over-Under (O/U)

• SU: 24-7
• ATS: 14-15-2
• SU - Home: 13-3
• SU - Away: 11-4
• O/U: 12-19

Betting Analysis – Arizona State Sun Devils

Straight Up - SU, Against the Spread - ATS, Over-Under (O/U)

• SU: 20-11
• ATS: 14-16-1
• SU - Home: 13-5
• SU - Away: 7-6
• O/U: 16-15

Inside the Stats – Villanova Wildcats

• PS/G: 76 (88th)
• PA/G: 67 (80th)
• Off Rtg: 118.8 (44th)
• Def Rtg: 104.7 (115th)
• SRS: - (N/A)
• SOS: -9.00 (105th)

Villanova's offense got off to a slow start last night, but it's the defense that needs to be better. Only 67 points allowed is solid in hindsight, but against Boston College its a bit more worrisome.

The Wildcats now face a team that is head-and-heels above Boston College offensively, so Villanova will need to play better defense to cover or even win.

The late surge push from Jeremiah Robinson-Earl, who finished with a double-double, and the stellar play from Collin Gillespie will be needed for all 40 minutes against the Sun Devils.

Although the defense is technically ranked higher than the Villanova offense (80 to 88), it's the Villanova defense that becomes the worry entering this late night showdown.

Inside the Stats – Arizona State Sun Devils

• PS/G: 94 (33rd)
• PA/G: 88 (156th)
• Off Rtg: 116 (54th)
• Def Rtg: 108.6 (128th)
• SRS: 0 (N/A)
• SOS: -6.00 (92nd)

Arizona State's offense exploded against Rhode Island, albeit helped from 44 shots at the charity stripe. Don't expect a foul-fest against Villanova like the Sun Devils saw against Rhode Island, but the offense should still be there.

Arizona State saw five players touch double-digit points last night. If Remy Martin can continue to distribute the ball well, there's no reason Arizona State shouldn't see another night of ample points.

Alonzo Verge, Jr. is also making a strong impact to start the season, scoring eight points with four rebounds and three assists against Rhode Island.

There are offensive threats all over for Arizona State, so the strong play of Gillespie and Robinson-Earl will have to carry over to defense if Villanova stands a chance tonight.

Key Players to Watch

• AZST - Remy Martin (26 ppg, 6 rpg, 5 apg)
• AZST - Marcus Bagley (16 ppg, 7 rpg)
• NOVA - Collin Gillespie (15 ppg, 7 apg)
• NOVA - Jeremiah Robinson-Earl (18 ppg, 10 rpg)

Villanova-Arizona State Predictions

The point total seems to be the safe play here, as the winner of this game feels much more of a toss up than the favored Wildcats given -4.5.

Using the first game as a measuring stick for both schools, it appears this game will be a race to 80 points. Both teams should touch 80 or come extremely close, which would see the 155 point total hit.

If leaning towards a school instead, it's tough to bet against Villanova here. Perhaps waiting for the live bet to show better odds than the current -200 is a better way to wager?

It's unlikely Arizona State doesn't see a lead in the game, so if they take the eventual lead then the Villanova moneyline will become less expensive.

Villanova has won 22 of its last 23 prime-time games on a neutral court, so when push comes to shove in picking a winner it's safer to stick with Jay Wright's team. However, both teams seem poised to put up a lot of points tonight barring any setback from playing on the road and in back-to-back days.

• Score Prediction: Villanova - Arizona State -
• Best Bet: OVER 155
• Best Bet: Villanova 2H -150