NJIT Highlanders vs Villanova Wildcats NCAA Basketball Betting Pick & Prediction 11/8/24
Looking to win big? The Highlanders and Wildcats face off at 8:30 ET on None. The Wildcats are hosting the game at Finneran Pavilion in Villanova, PA. The over/under for this non-conference contest is set at 138.5 points, with Villanova being favored by -21.5 over NJIT.
NJIT HIGHLANDERS VS VILLANOVA WILDCATS BETTING PICK
The Pick: NJIT Highlanders +21.5
This game will be played at Finneran Pavilion at 8:30 ET on Friday, November 8th.
WHY BET THE NJIT HIGHLANDERS:
- We have this one finishing with a projected score of 75-70 in favor of the Wildcats.
- Even though we have Villanova winning straight-up, we like NJIT at +21.5.
- The over/under is currently sitting at 138.5 points, and we like the over with a projected 145 points.
Can the Highlanders Pull Off a Road Win?
On Monday, November 4th, the NJIT Highlanders narrowly lost to the Penn Quakers, 58-57, in their season opener. Despite being +8.5 point underdogs, NJIT kept the game closer than expected, covering the spread. The total points for the game were 115, falling well short of the 144-point over/under line.
NJIT looked strong early on, leading 34-22 at halftime. However, they struggled in the second half, scoring just 23 points while allowing Penn to put up 36 points, leading to the narrow loss.
NJIT’s offense struggled in their last game, scoring just 57 points on 37% shooting from the field. They hit 29.2% from three-point range, connecting on 7 of 24 attempts, and finished with an effective field goal percentage of 44.4%.
Tariq Francis and Sebastian Robinson each scored 20 points, with Robinson adding 9 rebounds. Dylan Williams contributed 17 points, hitting 3 of 4 from beyond the arc, while Ethan Roberts chipped in 15 points despite shooting 1 of 5 from three.
Even with NJIT’s strong defensive effort, holding their opponent to 58 points on 37% shooting, the Highlanders couldn’t come away with the win. They limited the damage inside, allowing just 13 two-point field goals on 30 attempts (43%).
From beyond the arc, NJIT’s defense held their opponent to 7 made threes on 24 attempts (29%). The Highlanders also sent them to the line 13 times, where they converted 10 free throws (76%). NJIT gave up 8 offensive rebounds in the game.
Will Villanova Live Up to Expectations at Home?
Villanova’s season got off to a rocky start with a 90-80 loss to Columbia on Wednesday. The Wildcats were heavy favorites, entering the game as -16.5 point favorites, but failed to cover the spread.
Villanova trailed 39-37 at halftime and struggled defensively in the second half, allowing 51 points while scoring 43. The total points for the game reached 170, surpassing the O/U line of 147.5.
Villanova put up 80 points in their last game, shooting 45% from the field with an effective field goal percentage of 53.3%. They hit 11 threes at a 34.4% clip, while connecting on 57.1% of their two-point attempts. At the free-throw line, they were nearly automatic, going 15-for-17 for an 88.2% rate.
Eric Dixon led the way with 33 points, shooting 11-for-16 overall and 5-for-7 from beyond the arc. Avery Brown also had an efficient night, hitting 5 of 7 shots and making his only three-point attempt. Villanova recorded 16 assists and grabbed 13 offensive rebounds in the win.
Villanova’s defense struggled in their last game, giving up 90 points while allowing the opposition to shoot 45% from the field. Inside the arc, they allowed 57% shooting, with the other team hitting 16 of 28 two-point attempts.
From three-point range, Villanova’s opponents made 11 of 32 shots, good for 34%. The Wildcats also sent them to the line 17 times, where they converted 15 free throws at an 88% clip. Villanova allowed 13 offensive rebounds in the game.