Villanova Wildcats vs. Creighton Bluejays Prediction & Game Preview - 12/17/2021

Time: 8 p.m. ET

Venue: Ferrell Center, Waco, TX

Where to watch: FS1

DraftKings: Villanova -6.5

BetMGM: Villanova -6.5

Caesars: Villanova -6

No. 9 Villanova: 7-3

Creighton: 8-3

Villanova: lost 57-36 at Baylor on Sunday

Creighton: lost 58-57 vs. Arizona State on Tuesday

Big East play begins on Friday when the Villanova Wildcats visit the Creighton Bluejays in Omaha.

There might be a likelihood that Villanova would like to just fast forward this season to the end right now. The Wildcats are coming off an embarrassing 21-point loss to the defending national champion Baylor Bears, the new No. 1 team in the country.

After dropping three spots in the AP Top 25, it looks like Villanova could see more of a drop after that effort against Baylor, but the Villanova people will have you believe their own defensive effort was just as good. It was the fifth consecutive game the Wildcats held an opponent to less than 60 points, which I suppose is great if you’re playing golf.

“Baylor is an outstanding team,” said Villanova head coach Jay Wright. “They’re as physical, tough and quick as anybody we have played against. I give them credit for their defense.”

If Villanova is going to make a deep run into March, it will be on the heels of its defense. ‘Nova is holding teams to just 61.5 points per game and 40.8 percent shooting overall. The level of opponent has surely played a factor. In the Wildcats’ other losses to Purdue and UCLA, they allowed at least 80 points.

Whether or not you’re on the side of the coin that believes in Villanova remains to be seen. Because if there is a team that is on the cusp of being a threat in the Big East, it’s Creighton. The Bluejays’ two losses in three games hasn’t helped their stock, but that win over BYU last Saturday does help matters.

Creighton never has the star power that will scare you early, but it’s a team that can rely on its veteran leadership and timely offense. Surrounding the returning Ryan Kalkbrenner and Alex O’Connell has been three-time conference Freshman of the Week, Ryan Nembhard. Much like Villanova, the Jays are also winning games with their defense, holding opponents to 39.7 percent shooting.

This is a fun early-conference matchup in December that will be determined by defense. It’s going to come down to which big-time player can make the most plays; whether it be leading scorer Collin Gillespie (16.2 PPG) and Nembhard. Also keep an eye on freshman Arthur Kaluma (8.9 PPG, 4.8 RPG). 

Given the home-court advantage, I find this matchup to be a lot closer than anticipated. Creighton has been a tough out no matter the time of year, but ultimately, Villanova’s depth will give them the edge to make shots at the right times. Between Gillespie, Justin Moore, Brandon Slater and Jermaine Samuels, that’s four guys who can score in double figures. It won’t take one guy to carry Villanova to the finish line, but the team effort will end up pulling it out and pull off the slight cover. Villanova by 10

Villanova is 34-32 ATS in its last three seasons, and 30-25 as a favorite.

Villanova is 19-15 ATS in its last 34 conference games.

Creighton is 22-16-1 ATS at home in its last 38 and 33-6 straight up.

Creighton is 6-1 ATS after losing two of three.

PG: Collin Gillespie

SG: Justin Moore
SF: Brandon Slater
PF: Jermaine Samuels
C: Eric Dixon

PG: Ryan Nembhard

SG: Alex O’Connell
SF: Ryan Hawkins
PF: Arthur Kaluma
C: Ryan Kalbrenner