Villanova vs Georgetown Betting Odds – Monroe puts Hoyas on back, carries them to win over Wildcats

Online betting players know all about the power of the Big East conference, and they’ll be treated to a massive matchup on Saturday when a pair of top-10 teams will go at it in the nation’s capital. Villanova has yet to be beaten in conference play, and Georgetown is coming off an upset loss, but the Hoyas’ man in the middle will rise up for a huge game on Saturday.

The Storyline: Villanova vs Georgetown Betting Odds
The No.2 Wildcats (20-1, 9-0) have won 11 in a row since losing at Temple on December 13th, and they’re still holding their place atop the tough Big East after an 81-71 win against Seton Hall. The No.7 Hoyas (16-5, 6-4) may have gotten caught looking ahead to this game, as they were upset 72-64 at home by South Florida this weekend, but that should make them even more focused for Villanova, who dropped the Hoyas 82-77 at home on January 17th.

Offensive Matchups: Villanova vs Georgetown Betting Odds
The Wildcats are third in the nation in points scored, led by Scottie Reynolds, the senior guard who never panics in any situation. Villanova shoots 38.6% from beyond the arc, and their great perimeter shooting more than makes up for their lack of size. However, the Tournament slows games down, and you have to wonder how far Villanova can go without one.
The Hoyas have one in Greg Munroe, who destroyed the Wildcats in their first meeting with 29 points and 16 rebounds, and he’s scored 21 points three times in five games since. The Hoyas don’t score very many points, but they’re efficient, coming in third in the country in field-goal percentage. Austin Freeman gives the Hoyas some perimeter scoring, but Georgetown struggles with turnovers sometimes.

Betting Edge: Villanova

Defensive Matchups: Villanova vs Georgetown Betting Odds
Villanova is 222nd in scoring defense, but that says more about their system and lack of a big man than anything else. The Wildcats certainly make you work, coming in 36th in field-goal defense, but they just don’t have a big man in the middle to stop penetration, so the Wildcats have to depend on positioning.

Monroe gives the Hoyas an anchor in the middle, and sportsbook players are probably betting on this being his last year on campus. Georgetown is 51st in field-goal defense and 60th in points allowed, and they’re more consistent on this end than Villanova.

Betting Edge: Georgetown

Coaching Matchup: Villanova vs Georgetown Betting Odds
Jay Wright is doing a great job at ‘Nova, taking last year’s Final Four team and making it even better. However, he has a huge advantage in having Reynolds running the show, as it’s almost like having Wright on the court with them. Wright did a great job and looking at his talent, and then figuring out a system.
John Thompson III probably won’t have to do much motivating for this game, as his players know they disappointed him with their performance against South Florida. Thompson, like his father, has an eye for big men, and he has a stud in Munroe.

Betting Edge: Draw

Betting Prediction: Villanova vs Georgetown Betting Odds
Villanova’s win over Georgetown earlier this year snapped a five-game skid at the hands of the Hoyas, who should be favored in this contest. The loss to South Florida taught them a lesson: look past no one, especially in the Big East, so they’ll be more than ready for Villanova. The key will be Munroe, who had a monster game against ‘Nova in the first meeting. You can bet that the Hoyas will pay extra attention to Reynolds, who had 27 in the first meeting. Look for the Hoyas to get their revenge, and give Villanova their first conference loss.

Washington’s Pick: Georgetown

For more sports betting tips on the road to the Final Four, check out Washington in BetOnline’s The Betting Edge.