Nova Report
The 2-5 Villanova Wildcats take on the 6-1 Oklahoma Sooners in Philly at 12:30 pm eastern. The line is Nova-3.5/125.5.
Oklahoma is a defensive minded team who has allowed over 60 points just once. They are lead by Senior, Grant Sherfield (15.6 ppg, 46% from 3). They also feature brothers Tanner and Jacob Groves (10.7 and 8.6 ppg respectively). They are lockdown defensively allowing under 26% from 3 and are efficient offensively shooting over 50%. On the other hand, the Wildcats have not shot the ball well from anywhere, have had huge lapses on defense and are not getting quality guard play as they rarely generate assists. Why is Nova favored? Maybe by gametime the line will flip.
What Will Happen
Villanova needs to do something different or they will get the same losing result. Maybe they’ll start Armstrong and Hauser to interject some energy. For sure, they need to keep Dixon underneath instead of shooting 3’s. Also, Coach needs to light a fire under Slater. My guess is we’ll see more passing then in previous games which should generate some good looks. Their last two losses were embarrassing and being back home, they should put forth an improved effort.
For Oklahoma, why change? They are coming off a Tournament win in Florida. So, focus on guard play and take advantage of Nova’s lack of quickness and lack of rebounding. This IS the Sooner’s first true road game. That could factor into this.
Nova will do their best to draw fouls. It’s their best chance of winning. Oklahoma will play zone and challenge Nova to beat them from outside the arc. Playing the Cats Over the total has worked the last few games. I’m sticking to it.
My Nova pick:Over 125.5
Nova Pick Record:4-3