Villanova started the season with Final Four aspirations but erratic play left them struggling just to make the tournament.
The two Coreys (Fisher and Stokes) and backcourt mate Maalik Wayns need to push the pace and stay hot for Nova, while GMU needs a big game from senior Cam Long.
Still, the betting line has moved to the Wildcats being 1-point favorites here against the George Mason Patriots, owners of a 26-6 record overall in NCAAB action and an impressive 18-8 ATS mark. The Wildcats are 21-11, but hurt wallets with a 11-17 ATS run.
View Villanova vs George Mason Odds and Stats.
Betting Line:
Sportsbooks had set the Patriots as 1-point favorites on the Sportsbook line for this contest.
Power Rankings / Prediction:
This game puts the Patriots, most recently No. 25 in the Odds Shark power rankings, up against the Wildcats, who rate No. 19 in the latest survey. Meanwhile, math and computer-based handicapping simulations run on this game predict a potential 80-75 victory for the Patriots.
How They Match Up:
In the paint, the rebound battle will feature George Mason's No. 166-rated squad against Villanova's No. 68-rated roster. And in long-range shooting, George Mason rates No. 112 in the country with 6.7 per game, while their foes tonight rank No. 151 nationally with 6.3 per match.
Defensively, Villanova features the nation's No. 104-rated defense on the road, allowing 68.2 points per game. George Mason, meanwhile, comes in at No. 170 nationally in scoring at home.
Villanova was a 70-69 loser in their most recent outing against South Florida. They failed to cover the 9.5–point spread as favorites.
In their last action, George Mason was a 79-63 loser at home against Virginia Commonwealth. They failed to cover the 5–point spread as favorites. George Mason suffered a 79-63 loss against Virginia Commonwealth on Sunday, getting 20 points from Cam Long in a losing effort at Richmond Coliseum.
Villanova Wildcats Trends:
When playing on Friday are 9-1
After playing South Florida are 4-1
After a loss are 4-6
George Mason Patriots Trends:
When playing on Friday are 5-5
After playing Virginia Commonwealth are 6-4
After a loss are 4-6
A few Wildcats at Patriots trends to consider:
George Mason is 16-1 SU in its last 17 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of George Mason's last 6 games
