The Villanova Wildcats host the Marquette Golden Eagles on February 21, 2025, at the Wells Fargo Center. Tip-off is set for 7:00 PM ET. Villanova is 15-12 overall and 6th in the Big East, while Marquette is 20-6 and 3rd in the conference. These teams last met on January 24, with Marquette winning 87-74 at home.
Marquette comes into this game on a two-game win streak after beating DePaul and Seton Hall by double digits. Villanova, on the other hand, had a strong win over St. John’s but then dropped two straight to Providence and UConn. The Wildcats will look to snap an eight-game losing streak against Marquette.
This game is important for both teams. Marquette is trying to secure a strong seed for the NCAA Tournament, while Villanova needs a win to improve its Big East standing. The history between these teams adds another layer of intrigue, with Marquette having the upper hand recently.
Villanova Preview – Can the Wildcats Break Their Skid?
Villanova has struggled lately, losing its last two games after a big win against St. John’s. The Wildcats had a 14-point lead against UConn but fell apart down the stretch. They need a strong performance to get back on track.
Eric Dixon is the team’s top scorer, averaging 22.9 points per game. However, he has struggled with his shot, hitting above 40 percent in just one of his last six games. Wooga Poplar led the team against UConn with 19 points, but he was not efficient, making only 7 of 21 shots.
Villanova’s defense will be a key factor in this game. The Wildcats have allowed too many second-chance points and need to improve their rebounding. Jordan Longino, who scored 27 points in the first meeting against Marquette, will also be a crucial part of their game plan.
Marquette Preview – Can the Golden Eagles Stay Hot?
Marquette has bounced back well after a rough start to February. The Golden Eagles have won two straight, including a big 80-56 win over Seton Hall. They shot 53.6 percent from the field and controlled the boards, out-rebounding Seton Hall 37-22.
Kam Jones led the team with 14 points in their last game. The bench played a key role, contributing 36 points and 18 rebounds. Marquette’s defense was also solid, holding Seton Hall to 25 percent shooting from three-point range.
Marquette’s depth could be a difference-maker. The reserves have provided valuable minutes and scoring, which helps keep the starters fresh. Coach Shaka Smart’s emphasis on defense has also paid off, with the team showing improvement in recent games.
Betting Prediction
Marquette is a 1.5-point favorite, with the total set at 142.5. The Golden Eagles have been strong against Villanova, winning the last eight matchups. They also come in with momentum from back-to-back wins.
Villanova has struggled to close out games, and their recent form is a concern. Marquette’s balanced attack and strong bench should give them the edge. Expect Marquette to win and cover the spread, with a predicted score of Marquette 78, Villanova 70.
With Villanova’s inconsistency and Marquette’s recent form, the Golden Eagles are the safer bet. The spread is small, and Marquette’s ability to win on the road gives them an advantage. The over on the total of 142.5 also looks promising, given both teams’ scoring trends.
Pick: Marquette Golden Eagles-1.5
