Pedro Oliveira
Another of the big favorites to enter this year’s Final Four , Villanova is a classic that always finds a way to sneak among the best teams in the NCAA and 2022 will be no exception. Delaware on the other hand, had an inconsistent regular season, but finished strong in their singles tournament to earn a spot in the big party.
Picks and Predictions for the Villanova Wildcats vs Delaware Blue Hens NCAA Basketball Championship Round 1 Game on March 18 2022
- Where: PPG Paints Arena – Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
- When: Friday, March 18, 2:45 PM ET
- Betting Line: Villanova Wildcats (-15.5) vs Delaware Blue Bens (+15.5)
Villanova Wildcats Betting Preview
- Overall Record: 26-7
- Conference Record: 16-4
- Spread: -15.5
- Over/Under: Under 133.5
- Moneyline: -1750
There is no doubt that this team is made and led by Collin Gillespie (15.9 points, 3.8 rebounds, 3.3 assists and 1.1 steals) and Justin Moore (15 points, 5.1 rebounds, 2.2 assists and 1 steal). Experience reigns supreme in this squad but is punished for its lack of depth. By this we mean that once their two big stars leave the duel, the team has the tendency to lower their performance drastically.
Beyond that, the Wildcats have a very healthy balance between defense (29th overall in the NCAA) and offense, yet all of this hangs in the balance: how long Gillespie and Moore can stay on the court.
Delaware Blue Hens Betting Preview
- Overall Record: 22-12
- Conference Record: 10-8
- Spread: +15.5
- Over/Under: Over 133.5
- Moneyline: +950
For its part, the Blue Hens also have a solid experience in their squad, having only one member of their team as a freshman, none other than Jameer Nelson Jr, the son of the veteran former NBA player, who is also one of the most important players in the squad (13.7 points, 5 rebounds, 1.6 thefts).
Unfortunately this matchup does not favor the strengths of the Delaware team, who are specialists in limiting plays in transition and opponents who consistently attack the hoop. Villanova is not the case, with their two most dominant players having their best game around the offensive perimeter. Although the Hens may surprise, they will have to work too their offensive possessions and try not to be destroyed by the Wildcats’ perimeter game.
JefeBet Prediction
Villanova’s defense seems to be too tight to let Delaware play its natural game, not to mention that the Wildcats are also among the best perimeter teams in the entire NCAA. We chose a resounding victory for Villanova 71 to 62.
