Published Mar 19, 8:47am ET by
Demilade Adelekun - Betting Preview Analyst and Sports Writer
Last updated Mar 19, 8:47am ET
Updated Mar 19, 8:47am ET
Utah State vs Villanova will be a toss-up that will make and break many brackets. Which side will advance to Sunday?
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| Villanova Wildcats | +105 |
| Utah State Aggies | -125 |
Utah State is 28-6 overall and the 9th seed in the West Region. This marks their fourth straight NCAA Tournament appearance, a program record.
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Mason Falslev is the Mountain West Player of the Year and one of the most dangerous two-way guards in the country outside of the Power conferences. He averages 16 ppg and has received about every recognition possible in the Mountain West. MJ Collins Jr. is right there with him at roughly 17 ppg as the second-team All-conference pick. Can this duo make it to the second weekend?
Villanova is 24-8 overall and the 8th seed in the West Region — back in March Madness for the first time in four years under first-year head coach Kevin Willard.
Villanova is a balanced, efficient offensive team that doesn't need to run to win. Lewis, Perkins, and Brennan all average double figures. They slow the game down, force deliberate possessions, and execute in the half court better than almost anyone in the country. When all three are contributing and the pace is in their favor, Villanova is genuinely dangerous.
Utah State is a legitimate top-30 team in the country playing on a 9-seed. Falslev and Collins are two of the best guards in college basketball outside the Power conferences, and Villanova hasn't shown they can beat good teams consistently all season. The Aggies are built for exactly this kind of game. Our pick is Utah State(-125).
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Pick
Utah State(-125)
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