Villanova vs. Syracuse Prediction and Odds: How to Bet Former Big East Rivals

Former Big East rivals Syracuse and Villanova take the floor at Madison Square Garden on Tuesday night.

The Wildcats look strong this season, ranking No. 6 in KenPom's rating as of Tuesday morning, and will face an up-and-down Syracuse team that is riding high after two impressive wins over Indiana and Florida State.

Here are the odds for Tuesday matchup from WynnBET Sportsbook.

Villanova vs. Syracuse Odds, Spread and Total

Spread:

• Villanova: -8 (-110)
• Syracuse: +8 (-110)

Moneyline:

• Villanova: -390
• Syracuse: +300

Total: 143 (Over -110/Under -110)

Villanova vs. Syracuse Prediction and Pick

This matchup sets up nicely for Villanova, who has the outside shooting to outduel the Orange on the perimeter. Jay Wright can put a big in the middle of the floor and find open shooters at will to gash Syracuse's patent 2-3 zone. Nova takes three's at the 23rd highest rate in the country and hit them at an obscene 42%. Further, the team is top 10 in limiting turnovers and overall have a top five offense, per KenPom.

Syracuse has been frisky as an underdog due to their three-point shooting, going 2-1 ATS, but they may run into trouble against the disciplined Villanova defense. Joe Girard is shooting 52% from three, but Buddy Boeheim has struggled a bit, hitting on just 28% of his deep looks. Cuse is going to need to outperform their season long averages from deep to keep up with their Big East opponent.

I can't see the Orange keeping up in a battle of shot making considering Nova has the superior shot makers and are far better defense, turning opponents over and limiting second chances at better rate than Syracuse, who is bottom third in both of those metrics.

It's a steep price to pay on a neutral, but I lean towards Villanova winning convincingly.

LEAN: Villanova -8