Nova Report
Villanova (2-4) takes on the Oregon Ducks (2-4) in a battle for 7th place of the Phil Knight Invitational. Nova is -3.5/134.5. Both clubs have lost games to ranked opponents as well as lost to unranked clubs. Both teams have quite a few injured players. Both teams cannot shoot from downtown nor defend the 3. Oregon relies heavily on guard Will Richardson and 6’11” center N’Faly Dante. Dante went into concussion protocol midway last game. As the line has shot from Nova -1.5 to -3.5, my guess is he is not playing. Nonetheless, the Ducks have two 7 footers they can throw in the lineup.
For the Cats, they seem to come alive only when they are down by 15. They need to stay close to start the game and to start the second half. Hopefully, they will press Oregon from the tip to provide a spark. Richardson is Oregon’s only true guard right now and can be harassed into turnovers.
What Will Happen
Both teams really really need a win here. If Dante is out, it opens the inside for Nova’s Dixon as well as offensive boards. And…Nova should take this one. If he is playing, the Cats are going to need to hit 3’s and maybe get Armstrong to attack the hoop and get fouls on Dante. Both clubs are due to have an offensive showing and why not today? I can see the game going Over the total of 134.5.
My Pick: Over 134.5
Nova Pick Record: 3-3
UPDATE: Dante is OUT for Oregon.