Ohio St vs. Villanova Bracket Prediction: March Madness Odds
The seventh-seeded Buckeyes turned in a steady defensive performance in their 54-41 opening-round win over Loyola Chicago, snapping a two-game losing streak. Seeded second in the South, the Wildcats extended their current win streak to six games with a decisive 80-60 win over Delaware in the First Round.
Backed by 81% of sports bettors, the Wildcats have improved to 5.5-point favourites since opening at -5, while the Buckeyes have dipped to +174 moneyline underdogs. Since opening at 132.5, the total has dipped to 132, with 57% of bets getting placed on the UNDER.
Ohio State vs. Villanova NCAA Tournament Point Spread and Betting
Sunday afternoon’s matchup at PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh marks the first meeting between these teams since November 2019, and their first ever clash at the NCAA Tournament.
The Buckeyes have compiled a middling 7-7 record in their past 14 contests, and have won just two of their past five overall. While OSU sits at No. 12 in adjusted offensive efficiency at Kenpom, the team struggled on defence prior to Friday’s win. The Buckeyes surrendered 73.6 points per game while losing four of their previous five, a trend that generated a steady 3-1-0 run for the OVER in totals betting. However, this team has been respectable when pegged as an underdog, winning outright in two straight and covering in their past three.
The Wildcats advance to the Round of 32 for the eighth time in as many March Madness appearances, earning the win in three of their past five. More recently, Nova has effectively shut down opposing shooters during a 5-0 run, surrendering just 61 points per game. However, three of their past six wins coming by just one possession. That has extended a disappointing run against the spread, with the Wildcats going just 6-9-2 in their past 17 overall. But this club has been reliable while favoured by six or fewer points, going 9-1 straight up and covering eight times in their past 10.
Ohio St Buckeyes (7)
The Buckeyes turned in a smothering performance in Friday’s win over Loyola Chicago, limiting the Ramblers to just 18 first-half points and to 26.8% from the field on the day. However, OSU shooters failed to take full advantage, shooting just 41.9% while going a meagre 1-for-15 on three-point attempts. Junior big man EJ Liddell remained a bright spot at both ends of the court, tallying 16 points and 10 rebounds for his third double-double in five outings.
Villanova Wildcats (2)
The Wildcats overcame a sluggish start in Friday’s clash with the Blue Hens, embarking on an epic 21-2 run that extended into the second half, and put the game out of reach. Villanova lit up the scoreboard with 13 threes in the contest, and have connected on at least 10 three-pointers in each of their past four contests. Collin Gillespie has led the attack from downtown. The senior guard tallied a team-high 14 points on 4-for-9 three-point shooting, and has connected on an impressive 42.3% of three-point attempts this season.
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