Delaware vs Villanova Game Preview, Live Stream, Odds, Picks & Predictions

Delaware Finding Form

The Delaware Blue Hens picked a good time to find their best form after winning the Colonial Athletic Association tournament title with a 59-55 win over UNC Wilmington.

It capped off a three-game winning streak, which included wins over Towson and Drexel. They’re not high-profile wins, but Delaware has earned its place in the tournament field and it could give the Villanova Wildcats a scare.

The Blue Hens have covered the betting online spread in six of their last 10 games and they’re not used to being double-digit underdogs.

Statistically, the Blue Hens have produced better offensive numbers. They are 92nd in points scored (74.6 per game) and 37th in field goal percentage (47.2), which is a telling statistic.

If the Blue Hens can knock down their shots, it could override their dreadful defense. They rank outside the top 190 in all major defensive categories, so their best option is to make it an offense-minded contest.

Let’s check the latest news, stats, injury reports, and March Madness Odds for Delaware vs Villanova. We’ve plenty of predictions for you to consider.

Deep Run Expected for Villanova

March Madness betting markets expected a deep run for the Villanova Wildcats and they should at least make the Sweet 16.

It wasn’t an ideal start to the season, but they picked up the pace late to win the Big East title with a 54-48 win over Creighton. The defense was incredible, which could stifle the excellent offense of the Delaware Blue Hens.

Collin Gillespie was a standout player and head coach Jay Wright is still amazed at the plays he makes.

“I’m still kind of surprised when he makes those plays,” Wright told ESPN. “It’s incredible. But we put it in his hands to make those plays.

“He’s just playing with absolutely no fear because he knows he’s put the work in.”

Gillespie could be the difference between Villanova covering the spread. He is often the difference, but the Wildcats have been solid in this betting range.

NCAAB lines have had the Wildcats as 15½+ favorites on five occasions and they’re 3-2. Covering a big number doesn’t scare them and bettors should have confidence with the favorites.

Delaware vs Villanova Head-to-Head

The Delaware Blue Hens and Villanova Wildcats met in 2019 and it was a closer game than expected.

Delaware were +13½ underdogs, but they tested the Wildcats in the 78-70 loss. It was Delaware’s first spread cover against the Wildcats since 2013 and it shows that it could be bridging the gap.

Delaware vs Villanova Game Information

• Game: Delaware Blue Hens (22-12) at Villanova Wildcats (26-7)
• Location: PPG Paints Arena, Pittsburgh
• Day/Time: Friday, 2:45 p.m. ET
• Live Stream: TBS.com
• 2022 March Madness Bracket

Delaware vs Villanova Betting Lines

Delaware vs Villanova Prediction

As much as we want to think the Delaware Blue Hens can keep it close, the Villanova Wildcats have hit top gear.

That’s bad news for the Blue Hens, who have done well just to make the tournament, but their time should be coming to an end.

We have no doubt Villanova wins the game and we think it can cover the spread. Covering big spreads isn’t an issue and the team is 6-1 at neutral venues, so playing in Pittsburgh holds no fears.

The Wildcats’ defense could be too much for Delaware to handle and it could get ugly before halftime.

Bookmakers have the total 133½ and we see it going under. Villanova showed how good its defense is against Creighton and we could be in for a repeat performance.

Pick: Villanova Wildcats -15½

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