(6) UCLA 26-8 vs. (3) Villanova 27-7
2009 NCAA Tournament Round 2 Action
Saturday March 21, 1:05 PM ET
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Wachovia Center – East Region
UCLA is 2-3 ATS on neutral courts this year including losing the last 2 vs. VCU and USC.The under has hit in 4 of the last 5. UCLA is not a deep team with all 5 starters getting more than 32 minutes in the first round game vs. VCU. They had trouble stopping VCU PG, Eric Maynor (21pts). However, all 5 starters hit double figures for the Bruins.
Villanova is on a losing streak ATS of 3 games but they are 11-7 ATS in their last 18. The under has hit in 4 of the last 7. They are the deeper team with 7 guys getting more than 16 minutes in the first round game vs. American. American G, Garrison Carr was red hot from 3 in the 1st half. Villanova locked him down in the 2nd and pulled away late.
Villanova has the guards to give UCLA fits just like Maynor did in the first round. I give more respect to the Big East than I do the Pac 10. UCLA needed a defensive stop at the end to get to this game. Villanova cruised in the 2nd half and should be the more rested team. The Phily crowd will definitely be on Nova’s side creating a virtual home game.
Last Game Out:
Last game for UCLA: Win 65-64 vs. VCU
Last game for Villanova: Win 80-67 vs. American
Betting Lines
Villanova -2
Over/Under 145
Recent Matchups
No recent meetings
My first round FREE PICK for UCLA vs. Villanova
Pick – Villanova -2
Lean – UNDER 145
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Chris Hahn is a regular contributor to the Cappers Picks Blog. He’s a Wichita State Shockers season tix holder! But don’t hold that against him ok? He flat out loves his college HOOPS! Got a comment? In the mood to run a little smack? Chris wants to hear from you, so comment below!
One reply on “UCLA vs. Villanova Free Pick (Mar. 21)”
While I fully expected Villanova to win this game, I was surprised on how easily they dismantled UCLA. Either the Bruins really weren’t that good as the barely escaped losing to VCU, or the Wildcats are better than expected and gearing up for a deep run. I think it was a combination of both these factors.