Central Florida Golden Knights vs
Villanova WildcatsPredictions & Preview

Villanova Favored in Semifinal Matchup Against UCF in College Basketball Crown Tournament

The College Basketball Crown Tournament's Semifinal matchup between UCF and Villanova will take place on Saturday at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. UCF has secured wins against Oregon State and Cincinnati to reach this stage, while Villanova has defeated Colorado and USC. The game is set to tipoff at 4:00 EST and will be broadcast on FOX. Villanova is the betting favorite with the opening line at -3 remaining unchanged. Stay tuned for our UCF vs. Villanova prediction and updates on all tournament results.

Betting Odds

• Moneyline: Golden Knights +130 | Wildcats -150
• Spread: Golden Knights +3 (-110) | Wildcats -3 (-110)
• Total: Over/Under 156.5 (-110)
• Based on the moneyline, the implied probability that Villanova will win straight-up is 60%.

Central Florida vs Villanova Stats

Central Florida Golden Knights

The UCF Knights are currently competing in the Crown Tournament and have advanced to the Semifinals after close wins over Oregon State and Cincinnati. Despite losing their top player, Keyshawn Hall, the Knights have been led by Darius Johnson who scored 31 points in their last game. Johnson, a senior guard, has stepped up his game in the absence of Hall and is averaging 16.7 PPG this season. The Knights have a fast-paced playing style and rank 67th overall according to KenPom. Offensively, they excel in free throw percentage but struggle in field goal percentage. Defensively, they allow a high percentage of field goals but are strong in rebounding. Overall, the Knights have shown resilience and determination in their tournament run, even without their star player.

Villanova Wildcats Analysis

The Villanova Wildcats faced a challenging road to the semifinals, overcoming a large deficit to secure a one point victory over USC. Led by senior Eric Dixon, who is the nation's leading scorer, the team has shown strength and determination throughout the tournament. With a change in coaching staff and solid performances from key players like Wooga Poplar and Jordan Longino, the Wildcats are looking to continue their successful run. Despite their slower pace of play, Villanova ranks high in offensive efficiency and is known for their strong shooting percentages. Defensively, they have shown effectiveness in limiting opponents' scoring opportunities. Overall, the Wildcats have displayed a well-rounded performance and are a formidable team to watch in the upcoming games.

Villanova Favored to Win Despite Coaching Change and Player Departure

Despite the absence of their head coach and the departure of their best player, Villanova remains well-equipped to secure a victory in this game. Despite parting ways with Kyle Neptune, the team’s key players such as Dixon, Poplar, and Longino have remained committed to the tournament. With three players averaging double figures in scoring, including the nation’s leading scorer Dixon, the Wildcats boast a formidable lineup. On the contrary, UCF faces a significant setback with the departure of Keyshawn Hall, who led the team in scoring and rebounding. This loss hampers UCF's ability to match up with Villanova's talent. Darius Johnson's performance will be pivotal for UCF, but it may not be sufficient to overcome Villanova's superior firepower. Therefore, it is advisable to favor Villanova in this matchup.

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