No. 9 UConn is on an eight-game winning streak as it prepares to face its Big East rival, the Villanova WildCats. Frankly, I’m surprised that UConn is a slight underdog in this matchup, but given this situation, I consider this a gift for bettors. Villanova has played decently against its Big East rivals this season, going 3-1 against DePaul, Butler and Seton Hall. UConn, on the other hand, is undefeated in conference play, defeating Providence, DePaul, Butler and Xavier. Today the UConn Huskies will look to continue their undefeated streak against Villanova and I think they will succeed and here’s why.

It wasn’t easy for UConn to get past Providence in Butler in conference play, and those two teams are lower in the Big East standings than Villanova. Villanova star Eric Dixon is averaging 25.9 points and 5.4 rebounds per game. UConn has to find a way to slow down Dixon in tonight’s match or the Huskies are in for a long night. UConn has a lot of talent on their teams and they should be able to keep this game close against their conference rivals. UConn is averaging 83.9 points per game and giving up 68.6 points per game. Villanova is averaging 80.1 points per game and giving up 66.9 points per game. This will be a close game and both teams have skill. The most important thing UConn needs to work on is preventing Dixon from playing offense in today’s matchup. I think UConn will be able to pull out another win against their Big East rivals, making them my best bet of the day.

UConn vs. Villanova Prediction: UConn +1 (-110) available at time of publication. Playable under this number.