Nova Report
The 5-5 Villanova Wildcats head to Hawk Hill in Philly to engage in the ‘Holy War’ vs. the 4-5 St. Joseph’s Hawks. Tip is 4:00 pm eastern. Nova is -12.5/138.5.
St. Joseph’s relies heavily on Erik Reynolds (19.3 ppg/41.3% from 3). Definitely the best guard in the game. His sidekick Cameron Brown also shoots over 40% from 3. Together, they account for 45% of the Hawks scoring. St. Joe’s, like the Wildcats, live and die by the 3. They are not particularly great defensively nor are they particularly tall as a team.
Villanova is seeking their fourth straight win. They have won every game since Cam Whitmore has been playing. No doubt, the best player on the court today (he’s not a guard). Nova, save for Reynolds, has more talent at every position as well as on the bench. BUT, this is a Big 5 game in a hostile environment so anything can happen!
What WILL Happen
Coach Neptune has drilled it into his team that getting off to a fast start is a must; especially on the road in this environment. Expect that to happen. St. Joseph’s will counter with 3’s as the Cats 3 point D is pathetic. It would make sense for both Dixon and Whitmore to try to score from inside. Armstrong will have his hands full trying to defend Reynolds. St. Joe’s may try to surprise, go inside and try to draw fouls. We’ll see.
Nova has been shooting the 3 better this month (41%). They are 9th in % of shots from deep. That will continue today. If both teams get hot from deep, they go WAY over the total. Also, shooting 50% from 3 is the only way St Joe’s keeps this game close. Odds are that won’t happen. It’s tough to lay 12.5 on the road in a Big 5 game. Nova will win this one.
My Nova Pick: 5 point teaser Nova-7.5/Over 133.5
Nova Pick Record:6-4