Connecticut vs. Villanova

Villanova is a flawed team for a #2 seed. They rely too much on the three-pointer and don't play much defense at #7 in the watered down Big East at defending the three. They caught a break by playing Wisconsin-Milwaukee Thursday, as Villanova had a terrible night from long range (4-of-23), but Milwaukee was even colder. Villanova was upset by Seton Hall in the Big East quarterfinals, not winning a single Big East tourney game after dominating the regular season. The Wildcats are 1-5 ATS in their last six NCAA Tournament games. Villanova scored 46 points in the paint Thursday, its second most in a game this season, but they won't do that against this Connecticut frontcourt. UConn ranked third in the American in points allowed and field goal shooting defense, while the offense is first in free throws (77%) and third in scoring. The Huskies are 22-10 ATS in their last 32 neutral-site games and 10-3 ATS in their last 13 NCAA tournament games. And when these teams meet, the underdog is 4-0-1 ATS in the last five meetings. Play Connecticut.