Lafayette Leopards vs. Villanova Wildcats Preview
Where: The Pavillion, PA
When: Thursday, November 11, 7:30 PM ET
Line: Lafayette Leopards vs. Villanova Wildcats – view all NCAAB lines
TV Broadcast: FS2
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Betting on the Lafayette Leopards
Lafayette has met Villanova twice in the last four years. The first almost ended in a win before getting bounced towards the second half. The second was in the 2015 NCAA tournament, where ‘Nova won handily, 93-52, as six Wildcats scored in double figures.
A handful of guys exited Lafayette heading into the season, but they should still be intact offensively since their top two scorers are returning – Matt Klinewski (13.3 ppg) and Nick Lindner (13.3 ppg).
One of the team’s recent graduates, Bryce Scott, is actually the third scorer (12.5 ppg), and his place will be taken by Monty Boykins. The senior is your stereotypical shooting guard who’s never afraid to take a shot, which is the best and worst thing about him. Boykins only shot 38.4 percent from the field last year.
The defense, who was 333rd in the nation last year (80.4 points allowed per game), is likely to be blasted by Villanova’s potent scoring attack.
The Leopards are 5-5 SU (4-6) ATS in their last 10 games.
Betting on the Villanova Wildcats
The Wildcats are entering the year with a lot of intrigue. Defending their title after a memorable championship is one, but it’s just the beginning, their possible adaptation of the Golden State Warriors’ small-ball rotation is what most people are waiting for. If it comes to fruition, we could see 6’6 Kris Jenkins play the five!
Small-ball or not, a whole lot will be expected from Jenkins and Josh Hart, with the two main pieces of the core gone (Ryan Arcidiacono and Daniel Ochefu).
They’ll each get their 15-18 points per game this season, but their way of getting others involved has to be better, as both combined for 33 games wherein they only had one assist or less. ‘Nova’s best freshman last year, Jalen Brunson, will likely see larger role as well. Look for him to be the team’s third scorer.
Defensively, they shouldn’t have a problem with Lafayette. The Leopards’ aforementioned three main guys won’t matchup well with Villanova’s more experienced unit. For the interior defense, longtime second-string center Darryl Reynolds is now the man, with Daniel Ochefu gone.
Villanova is 9-1 SU (5-5 ATS) in its last 10 games at home.
Writer’s Prediction
Villanova wins via blowout.
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