Villanova Wildcats Host Columbia Lions in Highly Anticipated College Basketball Matchup

The Villanova Wildcats are set to host the Columbia Lions in a compelling college basketball matchup on Wednesday, November 6, 2024. Both teams enter the game with a 1-0 record, having won their respective season openers. Villanova, favored by 17 points, is looking to build on their strong start after defeating Lafayette 75-63 on Monday. Despite not covering the spread as an 18-point favorite, the Wildcats demonstrated significant strength, particularly in the second half where they outscored Lafayette 45-34.

Villanova’s performance was highlighted by the impressive debut of senior guard Wooga Poplar, who transferred from Miami (FL) and contributed 20 points and 10 rebounds. Senior forward Enoch Boakye also had a double-double with 10 points and 11 rebounds. The return of senior forward Eric Dixon, who served a one-game suspension, is expected to bolster the Wildcats’ lineup further.

Columbia, on the other hand, secured a hard-fought 81-78 win over Loyola-Maryland on Monday, coming back from a six-point halftime deficit to force overtime and eventually win the game. Senior guard Geronimo Rubio De La Rosa led the Lions with 24 points, eight rebounds, and three assists, while junior guard Kenny Noland scored a career-high 19 points and dished out five assists. Columbia has a history of covering the spread against Villanova, having done so in their last five meetings.

The game is scheduled to tip off at 7 p.m. ET at Finneran Pavilion and will be broadcast on CBS Sports Network. The over/under for the game is set at 144.5 points. SportsLine‘s advanced computer model, which has a 153-110 record on top-rated college basketball picks, is leaning towards the over and has generated a point-spread pick that hits in well over 60% of simulations.

For those interested in betting, Villanova is a significant favorite on the moneyline at -2083, while Columbia is at +1083. The spread is currently at Villanova -17, with Columbia +17 considered a value bet by some analysts due to their recent form and ability to keep games close.