The Utah State Aggies play the Villanova Wildcats in the first round of the NCAA Tournament in San Diego, California, on Friday, March 20. Tip-off is set for 4:10 p.m. ET on TNT.
Utah State is favored by 1.5 points on the spread with a moneyline of -122. Meanwhile, Villanova is the underdog at +1.5 with a moneyline of +102. The total is set at 146.5 points.
Here’s my Utah State vs. Villanova prediction and college basketball picks for Friday, March 20.
Utah State Aggies vs Villanova Wildcats Prediction, Picks
My Pick: Utah State ML -122
My Utah State vs Villanova best bet is on Utah State moneyline. For all of your college basketball bets, be sure to find the best lines by using our live NCAAB odds page.
Utah State vs Villanova Odds, Betting Line, Point Spread
| Utah State Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-2 -110 | 147 -110o / -110u | -130 |
| Villanova Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+2 -110 | 147 -110o / -110u | +110 |
- Utah State vs. Villanova Point Spread: Utah State -2, Villanova +2
- Utah State vs. Villanova Total: 147
- Utah State vs. Villanova ML: Utah State ML -130, Villanova ML +110
Utah State vs Villanova NCAA Tournament Preview
Utah State Aggies Preview: Strength on the Inside
The Mountain West will look a lot different next year, and Utah State has a chance to close its tournament streak out on a good note. The MW has been the worst conference against the spread over the last five years, covering just 30%.
This Utah State team does have an advantage over many schools in the first round, outside of Miami (OH), which played a de facto home game in the First Four. It has some of the best fans in college basketball, who will be a major presence in San Diego.
I think overall, the strength is gonna be on the interior, and the Aggies will have the size advantage over Villanova. Another strength Utah State possesses is its experience, ranking top-30 in Division I experience, compared to 78th for Villanova.
The Aggies will try to use pace, as they rank in the top third in average possession length before a shot. Villanova plays at a much slower pace, ranking 269th in that category.
The Aggies will also try to utilize their 3-pointer, averaging a triple on 40.7% of offensive possessions. This could come in handy if they ever get in a hole.
Villanova Wildcats Preview: Rejuvenated Wildcats
Villanova finished the season strong, which makes its early exit from the Big East Tournament a little bit of a shock. Perhaps the Wildcats will be coming in on too much rest.
While the Wildcats did win nine of their last 11 games, those two losses were against top competition.
This team only starts one senior, but they found a way to gel as a unit. Their leading scorer — Tyler Perkins — averages only a tick above 13, but he does have plenty of help.
This is the first postseason for the Wildcats since Jay Wright abruptly retired, and I do expect a rejuvenated team in this one.
If Perkins can continue to limit turnovers, expect Villanova to win. But the Aggies rank 16th in defensive turnovers, and they don't turn the ball over themselves.
Utah State vs Villanova NCAA Tournament Pick
I think it comes down to possessions.
In this game, I expect Utah State to have more possessions ending with a shot. I do think its havoc defense will cause Villanova to become a little flustered.
Plus, I think its size will play a factor in second-chance opportunities. Utah State has the best of both worlds: a presence down low, and a bunch of guards who can shoot the 3 relatively well.
Utah State will have to limit bad shots, which has been a common Mountain West theme in the tournament. If it can weather the early storm, from top to bottom, I think Utah State is the better team.
I’ll take the Aggies on the moneyline.
My Pick: Utah State ML -122
