Odds to Win the NCAA Championship: Villanova Wildcats
Written March 25, 2009 by Anthony Moretti
The 3rd seeded Villanova Wildcats have advanced to the Sweet 16 this year after first and second round wins over American and UCLA, respectively. Here’s a brief tournament history for the Wildcats: Villanova holds the distinction of being the team to win the NCAA tournament with the lowest seed in history when they were an 8 seed in 1985. They’ve been in the NCAA tournament 29 times, have a 44-29 record overall, and have made 3 Final Four appearances. Nova has made it at least to the Sweet 16 in 3 of the last 4 years, losing to the eventual champion, Kansas, in the Sweet 16 in 2008, losing to the eventual champion, Florida, in the Elite 8 in 2006, and losing to the eventual champion, North Carolina, in the Sweet 16 in 2005. If nothing else this may be good news for Duke if they can find a way to get past the Wildcats. Villanova is listed at 20-1 odds to win the NCAA tournament this year.
Nova drew American in the first round of the tournament, which looked like an easy win going in, but turned out to be a much more difficult battle than it was billed to be. Going into the second half the Cats were down by 10 and American was eventually up by 14 points. It was at that point the Wildcats evidently said enough was enough, roaring back and defeating American by a final score of 80-67. Surprisingly, Villanova’s second round contest did not prove as difficult as their first round game with the Wildcats breezing past UCLA. It looks as though Nova’s scare has kicked them into high gear. When they are playing at that level they are a very difficult team to beat. Looking at Thursday’s college basketball odds, Villanova is a 2 point underdog against Duke.
The Cats can beat Duke if they can play solid perimeter defense. So far Nova has been great on the inside, rarely giving up easy buckets in the paint. It seems to be the Wildcats’ philosophy that a hard foul is better than giving up an easy layup, and so far it has worked to their advantage. This is a team that has the talent to get past Duke if they keep up the intensity that they showed against UCLA in the second round. If the Villanova that played in the first half of the American game shows against the Blue Devils the Wildcats don’t stand a chance. This is one of the best match ups in the Sweet 16 this year. If you think the Wildcats have what it takes to get past Duke and eventually take the 2009 NCAA Championship, you can bet Villanova +2000 at BetUS right now.
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2 Responses to “Odds to Win the NCAA Championship: Villanova Wildcats”
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HELLO we hit last night with the NBA, I say NO, BUT I feel bad for that I DICI THE NBA IS NOT RELIABLE SO I IS NOT BAD AND HUNDREDS TODAY THAT THERE BE HOPE FOR MY MIND THAT THE NCAA AND Connecticut DUKE EMERGING WINNERS TODAY THAT YOU THINK
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Villanova is my favorite team to watch and has been for years. Tough defense, ability to penetrate, multiple players who can find their own shots, basically a team of ‘go-to’ guys who are flexible yet unified backed by a coach who can out think the majority of coaches he faces. I have Villanova winning their region and possibly making it to the finals. Getting past UNC won’t be an easy task but it is possible. But all good things come to pass and Louisville made sure to instill the fear of God in them in the final game of the Big East Tourney. Petino knew in the back of his mind that there was a chance they’d meet again. As much as I love Nova, I don’t see them getting the revenge they deserve. Louisville all the way baby!!
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