Villanova vs Marquette Prediction & Best Bets (Big East Quarterfinals): Will the Wildcats Punch Their Tournament Ticket?

Last night, Villanova just barely survived against a three-win DePaul team to keep their March Madness hopes alive. Tonight, a much better performance will be required in their Big East Tournament quarterfinal matchup with Marquette to perhaps lock up a spot in the field of 68.

With seconds left, the sixth-seeded Wildcats (18-14, 10-10 Big East) were staring at the indignity of losing to the Blue Demons, who went in with losses in 33 of their previous 34 Big East regular season and tournament games.

Then Justin Moore drained a three that ultimately handed Villanova a 58-57 win and another opportunity to move themselves away from the March Madness bubble.

As of now, the three-time national champions are not in the field at ESPN, CBS Sports, or FOX Sports, but a win tonight over the third-seeded Golden Eagles (23-8, 14-6 Big East) will greatly enhance their hopes of avoiding a second straight sad Selection Sunday.

Marquette is currently slotted into a #2 seed at ESPN, CBS Sports, and FOX Sports, but a #1 seed would appear to be out of their reach.

But this isn’t a meaningless game, as eliminating the Wildcats and then bouncing either seventh-seeded Providence or second-seeded Creighton would likely be enough to lock down that #2 seed ahead of the likes of Baylor, Duke, Iowa State, and Kentucky.

However, with star point guard Tyler Kolek sidelined through the conference tournament, the Golden Eagles may well have one eye on tonight and one on next week. Could that benefit Villanova?

Villanova vs Marquette Odds

Odds are via BetOnline, a longtime fixture in the sports betting industry. Check out our BetOnline sportsbook review, then grab yourself a nice sign-up bonus to bet on today’s NCAA basketball action.

Spread

• Villanova +4 (-115)
• Marquette -4 (-105)

Over/Under

• Over 140 (-120)
• Under 140 (+100)

Moneyline

• Villanova +155
• Marquette -175

Looking for more men’s college hoops picks? Our NCAA basketball picks page features moneyline, spread, and total (over/under) picks for all of the top games each day.

Villanova vs Marquette Betting Analysis and Prediction

After a 71-60 win at Providence, Villanova entered the final week of the regular season with a chance to leave no doubt about their fate, with winnable games at Seton Hall and at home against Seton Hall.

Instead, the Wildcats lost to the Pirates by ten and were unable to pull out the win after a huge comeback against the Bluejays, which left the door open for disappointment.

That disappointment was on the doorstep and about to stroll on in last night, but Moore saved their bacon with his game-winning trey.

But if they don’t buck a notable trend, the unwelcome guest will make itself at home.

After recording outright wins in their first two games as an underdog this season, Villanova is 3-8 SU and 5-6 ATS for the season as an underdog. That includes an 87-74 loss at Marquette on January 15, when they were a 6.5-point underdog in Milwaukee.

Marquette, meanwhile, is 19-4 SU and 14-9 when favored this season. In their last ten games as the favorite, the Golden Eagles are 10-0 SU and 9-1 ATS. The lone missed cover? An 86-73 at DePaul as an 18-point favorite on January 24.

Also, the Golden Eagles have some experience taking on and beating Villanova while shorthanded. When they visited Finneran Pavilion on January 30, they were without Kam Jones.

Without Jones, Kolek stood tall with 32 points, nine assists, six rebounds, and three steals in Marquette’s 85-80 win in Philadelphia.

After losing at Creighton and at home against UConn without Kolek, Jones (30 points, 12 of 17 FG, 4 of 6 3PT, nine assists, five rebounds) and Oso Ighodaro (24 points, 11 of 15 FG, stepped up big time to deliver an 86-80 win at Xavier to close out the regular season.

Vilanova vs Marquette Best Bets

Marquette -4 & Villanova/Marquette first half over 66

I think we will see better on the offensive end from the Wildcats tonight after shooting only 42% from the field against DePaul, but I also think it won’t be enough.

Other NCAA Basketball Betting Information

Where Can You Bet on NCAA Basketball?

Throughout the college basketball season, you can find NCAA basketball odds at the top online sports betting sites. That includes prominent names like BetDSI, BetOnline, BetUS, and Bovada.

Along with game odds, many sportsbooks offer men’s and women’s March Madness futures odds, Final Four odds, Wooden Award odds, and more.

If you are unfamiliar with any of these sites, check out our sportsbook reviews to learn more about them. Our reviews analyze available betting options, deposit and payout options, mobile and live betting, and the sportsbook sign-up bonuses and other promos offered.

• BetDSI Sportsbook Review
• BetOnline Sportsbook Review
• BetUS Sportsbook Review
• Bovada Sportsbook Review
• MyBookie Sportsbook Review

Interested in Learning More About Betting on NCAA Basketball?

If you are interested in learning more about betting on NCAA basketball, check out our college basketball betting guide. It covers the basics of wagering on the action from the Mountain West to the MAAC and beyond.

• College Basketball Betting Guide: How to Bet on NCAA Basketball in 2024

Also, check out our March Madness guide, and learn valuable March Madness betting tips, where you can find the best March Madness bracket challenges, who the Final Four favorites are, and much more.

• March Madness Guide

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