[7:01 PM] #4 Villanova @ #15 Purdue

Who will WIN this matchup?

#4 Villanova Wildcats (1-0)

@ #15 Purdue Boilermakers (1-0)

 

• The line for this game is Villanova by 3 points.

• In a way, Villanova coach Jay Wright is just glad to have one game out of the way. After winning the national title last April, the third-ranked Wildcats rolled in their opener and will eye a similar effort Monday when they visit No. 15 Purdue.

• Jalen Brunson had 17 points and Jenkins added 16 on Friday to fuel Villanova, while Josh Hart – a preseason All-American – delivered 13 points in the season opener. The Wildcats limited Lafayette to 29.2 percent shooting, including 6-of-32 from the arc, and dominated on the boards, 53-33. Mikal Bridges is hoping for another strong effort off the bench after posting 16 points, eight rebounds, four assists and two steals against the Leopards.

• The Boilermakers got a huge effort from Swanigan, who notched 23 points, 20 rebounds and six assists on Friday, including a 17-point, 10-rebound effort in the first half. Haas added 22 points, while Vince Edwards had 19 and 11 rebounds for Purdue, which played without three scholarship players. One of those players, Basil Smotherman, was suspended for a summer arrest for marijuana use but will be available for Monday’s contest.

• Haas, who shot 59.4 percent last season, was 9-of-11 from the field in the opener.

• Boilermakers G Spike Albrecht, a transfer from Michigan, chipped in seven points, four rebounds and two assists in his Purdue debut.

• Brunson matched his career high with four 3-pointers – in seven attempts – in Friday’s contest.

StreakSmarts Pick: Villanova Wildcats

Confidence: 5/10

Confidence
StreakSmarter Pick
Previous Pick
Next Pick