- Matchup: Utah State Aggies vs Villanova Wildcats
- Date: Friday, March 20, 2026
- Venue: Viejas Arena, San Diego, CA
- Broadcast: TNT
- Betting Line: Utah State favored by 2 points
This page may include affiliate links at no extra cost to you, thanks for your support.
In the opening round of the NCAA Tournament, the Villanova Wildcats (24-8) will challenge the Utah State Aggies (28-6) at Viejas Arena on Friday. The Aggies begin as 2-point favorites, with the point total established at 146.
The Utah State Aggies recently clinched a 73-62 victory against San Diego State. In that match, they recorded a shooting accuracy of 46.2%, converting 30 of 65 field goals, alongside sinking 6 out of 21 attempts beyond the arc. At the free-throw line, they managed to hit 7 of 13 attempts for a conversion rate of 53.8%. On the boards, Utah State secured 37 rebounds, including 8 offensive boards, and dished out 15 assists while forcing 10 turnovers and recording 10 steals. Defensively, they held their opponents to 40.8% shooting, allowing San Diego State to score 20 of 49 attempts. San Diego State also tallied 17 assists and 8 steals during the game, finishing with no blocks. They hit 17 of 24 free-throw attempts (70.8%) and made 5 out of 16 shots from three-point range. Utah State committed 19 fouls, while San Diego State had 21.
One standout player in this match was MJ Collins, who scored 20 points on 8 of 15 shooting. He played for 37 minutes, grabbed 3 rebounds, and finished with a shooting percentage of 53.3% while providing 1 assist.
The Aggies hold an impressive record of 28-6 this season, averaging 82.5 points per game (46th in Division I) with a shooting percentage of 49.8% from the field. They convert 35.8% of three-point attempts (293 out of 818) and have a free-throw percentage of 70.7%. Utah State averages 34.6 rebounds per game and has a total of 599 assists this season, ranking 9th in Division I for team assists. The Aggies turn the ball over 10.6 times per game and commit an average of 18.9 personal fouls per matchup.
Defensively, the Aggies force 14.2 turnovers per game while drawing 18.0 fouls. They rank 93rd nationally in assists allowed, with a total of 400 surrendered for the season. Their opponents shoot 42.4% from the field (800 of 1,888), and they concede an average of 32.9 rebounds per game. Additionally, they allow 33.8% shooting from three-point range and rank 83rd in points allowed per game (70.4).
In their last outing, the Villanova Wildcats suffered a defeat against Georgetown, with a score of 78-64. The Wildcats managed to secure 19 total rebounds, including 11 defensive and 8 offensive. They committed 6 turnovers while notching 7 steals in the game. Georgetown was called for 12 fouls, which allowed Villanova to shoot 14 free throws, converting 11 for a shooting percentage of 78.6%. From distance, the Wildcats managed to hit 7 of their 29 attempts (24.1%). Overall, Villanova shot 23 of 61 from the field, achieving a rate of 37.7%. Conversely, Georgetown’s shooting percentage was 50.8%, sinking 30 of 59 attempts from the field. Georgetown also finished strong from beyond the arc, converting 8 of 20 three-pointers (40%) and 10 of 15 free throws (66.7%). Villanova allowed 42 total rebounds (14 offensive) by Georgetown.
Duke Brennan had a notable performance for the Wildcats, hitting 4 of 7 attempts for a shooting percentage of 57.1%, contributing 6 rebounds, and finishing the game with 14 points in 34 minutes while adding 3 assists.
Villanova stands at 24-8 for the season. Offensively, they shoot 45.7% from the field, which ranks 155th nationally. Collectively, they have scored 2,469 points this year, averaging 77.2 points per game while pulling down 34.5 rebounds. The Wildcats assist 15.5 times per game (ranking 91st in the nation) and average 10.1 turnovers per contest. Villanova commits 16.0 personal fouls per game and maintains a free-throw success rate of 69.4%.
The Wildcats’ defense allows opponents to score 33.9% on three-point shots (230 of 678), while their free-throw defense lets opponents convert 71.8% of their charity shots. They surrender 13.9 assists and 34.7 rebounds per game, ranking 222nd and 207th in college basketball, respectively. Their defense ranks 96th in Division I for points allowed per game, giving up an average of 70.8 points. They create 12.6 turnovers per game while permitting a 45.0% shooting rate (232nd nationally) from the field.
Who will emerge victorious in tonight’s NCAA matchup against the spread?
Prediction: Bet on Utah State (-2)
Some links on this page are affiliate links. If you sign up or make a purchase through them, we may earn a small commission always at no extra cost to you. Thanks for helping us keep this site running.
