We return for another NCAA basketball selection, last week’s Southern Indiana outright underdog winner brings our record to 5-0 ATS this season. Today’s play will be the Villanova Wildcats +3.5 over the Cincinnati Bearcats. Villanova (4-4, 0-0) enters tonight’s game having won two of their last three games, which includes last Wednesday’s 72-48 victory over Rider.
The Bearcats (6-0, 0-0) remain undefeated after last week’s 18-point victory over Alabama State and are ranked 14 overall in the country early on in the season. The college basketball season is heating up, with several games on the Tuesday night slate. As we studied the lines, we chose this game and look to keep it rolling early on in the 2024 season!
Villanova Wildcats vs. Cincinnati Bearcats Odds
| Team | Spread | Total | Money Line |
| Cincinnati Bearcats | -3.5 (-110) | O 138.5 (-115) | -175 |
| Villanova Wildcats | +3.5 (-110) | U 138.5 (-105) | +145 |
| **Odds Subject to Change** | |||
Villanova Wildcats vs. Cincinnati Bearcats Match Details
- Fixture: Villanova Wildcats vs. Cincinnati Bearcats
- Date and Time: December 3, 2024 @ 6:30 p.m. EST
- Location: Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania
Key Stats
Villanova Wildcats
Villanova comes in ranked 124th nationally in field goal percentage and 126th in points scored. However, the Wildcats are among the nation’s best three-point shooting teams, ranking 33rd. They are paced offensively by senior Eric Dixon’s 25.1 points per game and Wooga Poplar at 11.3. Villanova is capable of being balanced on offense, in their narrow loss to Maryland they had four players in double-figure scoring. Dixon is also tops in rebounding, with 6.6 boards per game.
On the defensive side of the ball, Villanova is allowing 66 points per game and outscoring their opponents by 11 points a game. The Wildcat’s .500 record is a bit misleading as they have the lead in three of their four losses. Villanova is 4-4 ATS this season, 3-0 ATS in their last three at home, and 6-4 SU in the last ten versus Cincinnati.
Cincinnati Bearcats
The Bearcats are on a roll so far, outscoring opponents by nearly 30 points a game en route to their 6-0 start. Cincinnati is tops in the nation in field goal percentage and 10th in three-shooting percentage. The Bearcats are led offensively by Dan Skillings Jr., who averages a double-double at 17 and 11 per game. Sophomore guard Jizzle James is another important cog for the Bearcat offense, James averages a 14-4-6 stat line.
Defensive has always been a staple for the Bearcats, going back to the days of former coach Mick Cronin. Cincinnati yields just 56 points per game while scoring at an 85-per-game clip. Under current coach Wes Miller, they are 38-8 SU when they hold their opponents under 40% shooting.
Prediction
This game represents a big opportunity for Villanova to land an early statement win and will need to defend as they did in their last outing versus Rider. They held Rider to just 20 first-half points and will need an effort like that to upset Cincinnati. The Bearcats have rolled through the early part of their schedule but should face a much stiffer test at Villanova on Tuesday night.
From the handicapping perspective, we spotted a reverse line movement in this game. Cincinnati is seeing 74% of the tickets, and yet the opening line of five is now down to 3.5. Villanova is 3-0 SU in the last three, 4-1 in the last five, and 7-3 in the last ten at home. The Bearcats have stellar SU and ATS numbers in their last ten games, but we are following the sharp money tonight and will back Villanova.
