Following a gutsy Big East Tournament title, the Villanova Wildcats picked up a 2-seed and look primed to make a deep March Madness run. Jay Wright is a good coach, Collin Gillespie is a great leader, and there’s no shortage of shot-makers on this roster.
However, I wouldn’t overlook Delaware. The Hens went on an unlikely CAA title run behind Jameer Nelson Jr. – son of former NBA star Jameer Nelson – and get the unique opportunity to play Villanova in the first round.
Can the Hens keep up with the Wildcats?
Villanova vs Delaware Odds
Villanova vs Delaware’s CBB gameday odds are provided by Caesars and current as of 6 p.m. ET on Tuesday, March 15.
- Moneyline: Villanova (-2000), Delaware (+1000)
- Spread: Villanova -15.5 (-110), Delaware +15.5 (-110)
- Over/Under: Over 133.5 (-110) / Under 133.5 (-110)
- Implied Score: Villanova 74.5, Delaware 59
Basketball Betting Play of the Day
Slam home your basketball bets with BetMGM’s welcome offer: New BetMGM Sportsbook customers can bet $10 to win $200 in free bets.
Make a $10 moneyline bet on any game. If either team makes a three-point basket, you’ll win!
🏀 NBA Bet $10, Win $200: .
🏀 College Basketball Bet $10, Win $200: Click here and use promo code GAMEDAYCBB.
Read Anthony Cervino’s hands-on BetMGM Sportsbook review to learn more.
🤔 Want a different BetMGM welcome offer? New users can instead get up to $1,000 risk-free with code GAMEDAY. 👇
Villanova vs Delaware Prediction
Villanova will do the same thing it always does. The Wildcats play slow (345th in adjusted tempo, per KenPom), work the ball around the perimeter, and look for an open three-point shot (25.9 attempts per game).
The offense works. Villanova is eighth in adjusted offensive efficiency and scores about 73 points per game despite the slow pace. It’s really hard to stop Gillespie, Justin Moore, and Jermaine Samuels when the team is rolling.
The ‘Cats are so experienced. Four of the starters are seniors, and the other – Justin Moore – is a junior. Everybody has been around the block in Wright’s scheme, and the personnel knows how to execute.
However, I’m not expecting the Wildcats to roll over Delaware in this spot. The Hens are going to post up a ton and find open cutters. Not only is Delaware very efficient in those sets, but Villanova struggles to guard them.
It’s also tough for Villanova to truly blow teams out when it plays so slow. Therefore, I’m looking for Nelson Jr. and the Hens to give the ‘Cats a run for their money on Friday.
Villanova vs Delaware Score Pick
Villanova 70, Delaware 60
Delaware won’t win this game. Villanova is too good, too experienced, and too hard to stop.
I’m expecting Delaware to keep this game tight for close to 30 minutes, but for the three-headed Villanova monster to hit major shots down the stretch to close.
- Print your 2022 March Madness bracket.
That’s what Villanova does. This team closes games out. It just did that in three consecutive games in the Big East Tournament.
The Wildcats should win by about 10 points.
Villanova vs Delaware Best Bets
Delaware +15.5 (-110) at Caesars
Wager: 1 Unit
The value is clearly with the Hens. This is too many points in what’s sure to be a slow-paced matchup with an experienced Delaware team.
Plus, Villanova’s stock skyrocketed after a dominating Big East Tournament run. The Wildcats are really good, but there are enough weaknesses on the roster that the Hens can take advantage of.
Sharp money continues to hit the Hens, as Delaware has been pushed down from its +17 opener. There’s some history on our side, too, as 15-seeds have gone 42-36-2 ATS vs 2-seeds in the Round of 64 since 2001.
I’d play the Hens at +15 or better.
