Virginia Commonwealth vs. Villanova

Talk about stepping right into the deep end of the pool, this one features a pair of teams that could both go very deep in March. Villanova lost a tough one to the eventual NCAA Champion a year ago with a tournament loss to Uconn, but that experience and a well stocked roster of veterans should benefit in an early season test such as they will have in this one vs. VCU. Coach Smart has elevated the VCU program, and he will get an early test on a national stage to go against a quality opponent. Villanova trailed Bucknell with two minutes to go, and won by seven. That is a great experience for this team as they will likely face a close game again here against VCU. VCU is averaging 92.7 points per game, but Nova isn't MD Eastern Shore, who they got 106 against. Villonova defends very well and has the experience to handle the Rams pressure, and won't allow them to use it to speed up the game. The Wildcats own a 39-10 ATS mark in their last 58, and just two of their last nine have made it over the total following a win in their last game. The Rams are just 2-6 ATS in their last eight following a win of 20 or more points, and also 20-8 to the UNDER after a win and 16-5 to the UNDER in their last 21 after a win. This is a lot like an early season NCAA Tournament game, and I think the defenses will have a lot to say with the outcome. And Villanova has the experience to get it done late. Make the play on Villanova on the moneyline, and the UNDER.