Villanova and Oklahoma have long standing histories of making the NCAA Tournament and then sort of fizzling out, which makes their Final Four matchup Saturday even more critical to both programs. This will be just the second appearance in the Final Four for either team since 1990 with both the Sooners and Wildcats losing their previous outings SU and ATS.
- Oklahoma is 3-11 ATS in their past 14 games against teams with winning records.
- Villanova is 7-1 SU and ATS in their past eight games when favored by 2.0 or fewer.
- The OVER is 10-3 in Villanova’s past 13, while the UNDER is 12-2 in Oklahoma’s past 14.
Though it was very early in the season, Oklahoma did beat Villanova 78-55 in the Pearl Harbor Classic in their lone meeting this season. It was a typical game for OU with their starters combining for 77 percent of their offense while shooting 53.4 percent from beyond the arc. The Wildcats struggled mightily in that game with their shooting as the team went just 31.7 percent from the floor and 12.5 percent from three.
You can’t talk about Oklahoma without first talking about Buddy Hield. The senior is the best pure scorer in the nation and has proven that he loves the bright lights, as Hield has averaged 29.2 points per game while shooting 70 percent from the field and 47 percent from beyond the arc during March Madness. Though Buddy Buckets gets most of the attention, the Sooners feature a veteran-laden lineup that has shot an impressive 48.5 percent during the tournament. The key will be protecting the ball as OU can be turnover prone.
If there is any defense left in March Madness that can stop Oklahoma, it is Villanova. The Wildcats have held their opponents, which include both Kansas and Miami, to an average of 63 ppg during the tournament with none breaking the 70-point mark. Offensively, Villanova is balanced with four players averaging double-digit points in the tourney. ‘Nova has struggled against potent backcourts throughout the season and they will need to rectify that against OU.
Oklahoma Sooners vs Villanova Wildcats Matchup
Team Betting Records & Power Rankings
The Villanova Wildcats sit at 33-5 (20-17 ATS) on the college basketball season. By comparison, the Oklahoma Sooners are currently 29-7 (14-20 ATS). Looking to bet on the total points scored? Villanova is 20-17 OU, and Oklahoma is 15-19 OU.
According to new college basketball power rankings here at Odds Shark, it's the No. 38-ranked Villanova Wildcats and the No. 91-rated Oklahoma Sooners in this matchup.
Statistical Matchup
In the paint, the rebound battle will feature Villanova's No. 186-rated squad against Oklahoma's No. 50-rated roster. And in long-range shooting, Villanova rates No. 39 in the country with 8.63 per game, while their foes tonight, the Oklahoma Sooners rank No. 5 nationally with 10.44 per match.
Recent Outings Betting Recap
Oklahoma got 37 points from Buddy Hield en route to a 80-68 victory over Oregon on Saturday at Honda Center.
The Wildcats grabbed a 64-59 win over the Jayhawks on Saturday, behind a 13-point effort from Ryan Arcidiacono at KFC Yum! Center.
