Winthrop vs. Villanova 2021 March Madness Odds and Preview — First Round

By Carlos Chacon • March 18, 2021

Basketball is not all about matchups between powerhouse teams, it also presents an opportunity for underdogs and overlooked teams to shine. This will stay true in the NCAA Tournament, where the element of unpredictability is always present. This time, the bout stands between No. 5 seed Villanova Wildcats and No 12. Seed Winthrop Eagles.

The NitroBetting news team is all for interesting games, and this one is no exception. The Eagles only have one NCAA Tournament win under their belt, while Villanova records three NCAA Championship titles in1985, 2016, and 2018. Ultimately, the Winthrop vs. Villanova game promises engaging storylines and competitive NCAA Basketball betting odds.

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Winthrop vs. Villanova Game Information

When: Friday, March 19, 2021, 9:57 PM ET
Where: Indiana Farmers Coliseum, Indianapolis, Indiana
TV: CBS
Radio: CBS Sports Radio
Live Stream: March Madness Live
March Madness Betting Odds: Winthrop +210/+6.5 / OU: 143.0

Why Bet on the Winthrop Eagles?

Winthrop’s following grew when the team finished the regular season with only a loss to its name, which the Eagles suffered against UNC Asheville, to the tune of a 57-55 score. Other than that, Winthrop has been stellar coming into the NCAA Tournament. Despite Winthrop’s weak strength of schedule, many still believe that they are not going to make it easy for Villanova.

One of Winthrop’s most important weapons is its relentlessness on the glass. The Eagles frustrate opponents with their aggressive rebounding on the offensive end of the floor.

Winthrop enters the national tournament with a 35.7 offensive rebound percentage, which is the 12th-best in the nation. Kelton Talford and Adonis Arms make a living in getting those offensive rebounds and converting them into easy baskets.

Per Hoop-Math, Talford and Arms are getting 25.4 and 8.9 percent of their total shots via putbacks, respectively. However, if they want to add pressure to Villanova, the Eagles have to bring the heat back in their 3-point game and hit more deep shots to support their strength on the boards.

Why Bet on the Villanova Wildcats?

There’s no denying that Villanova is among those teams that attract the most attention in college basketball and betting in general, and there’s a reason behind that. The Wildcats produced exceptional numbers throughout the regular season both on the offensive and defensive side of things.

But, recent stats might have taken a toll on the team. To make a comeback, they have to control the tempo of the game. This is going to pose a challenge as Winthrop holds the 11th-fastest pace in college basketball.

Villanova will play in the tournament without Collin Gillespie, who suffered a serious knee injury late in the regular season, but the Wildcats have a deep roster that is softening the blow of his loss. The Wildcats are sixth in the nation in terms of minutes continuity, per KenPom.

Also, Villanova will have to improve its shooting beyond the ard as the Wildcats have only shot 27.6 percent in their last seven games, so they have to get hot early on and set a good rhythm for the shooters. Despite being the better team on paper, this is a game where they can’t afford to trail by a lot.

Winthrop vs. Villanova Betting Trends

Winthrop is 9-1 in its last 10 games.
Winthrop is 3-2 against the spread in its last 5 games.
The totals have gone under 7 times in Winthrop’s last 10 games.
Villanova is 8-2 in its last 10 post-season games.
Villanova is 4-6 against the spread in its last 10 games.
The totals have gone over 5 times in Villanova’s last 10 games.

Winthrop vs. Villanova Expert Betting Prediction

Winthrop is not to be underestimated here as the team has the defensive perseverance of any top team in the nation. If Villanova fails to hit threes, the Eagles can punish them on the glass. Contrary to popular belief that this is going to be an easy win for Villanova, it can always go the other way around.

Expect Winthrop to keep up with the Wildcats and give Jay Wright’s boys a run for their money. If Villanova is not careful, the Eagles might just pull a fast one on them. But, if they do lock in and convert the threes, it could be game over for Winthrop.

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*All odds stated are subject to change without prior notice.