Colorado (14-20) vs Villanova (19-14)
- When: Apr 1 2025, 8:30 PM
- Where: MGM Grand Garden Arena, Las Vegas, NV, USA
- Where to watch: Fox Sports 1
Colorado vs Villanova Betting Preview & Prediction
Spread: Villanova -4.0 | Total: 144.5
Villanova enters Tuesday’s College Basketball Crown opener as a 4-point favorite over Colorado, with the total sitting at 144.5. Both teams are looking to make a late postseason impression in what’s become a prove-it spot for the Wildcats under interim leadership.
Villanova Outlook
The Wildcats (19-14) are hitting the floor in Las Vegas with a major shift in leadership. Kyle Neptune was let go after failing to lead the program to an NCAA Tournament appearance in his three seasons, and now Mike Nardi—once a four-year starter under Jay Wright—steps in as interim head coach. Nardi is tasked with steadying the program and keeping the players focused as the school transitions to its future under Kevin Willard, who is set to take over once Villanova’s Crown run concludes.
The Wildcats did post marquee wins this year, taking down top-tier opponents like UConn, Marquette, and St. John’s, but inconsistency kept them from dancing in March. Still, they’ll lean on their trademark defensive grit and disciplined half-court execution in this one.
A huge storyline is the presence of fifth-year senior Eric Dixon. Averaging 23 points per game, Dixon is just nine points away from becoming the program’s all-time leading scorer. With the national scoring title in his sights and one last run in Wildcat blue, expect Villanova to funnel plenty of offensive volume through their veteran big man.
Colorado Breakdown
Colorado (14-20) enters the matchup as a dangerous underdog, boasting two perimeter threats in Julian Hammond III (12.5 ppg) and Andrej Jakimovski (10.4 ppg). The pair has combined for 105 made threes, providing the Buffaloes with the kind of spacing that can test Villanova’s perimeter defense.
Despite their record, the Buffaloes showed they’re not folding on the season. Their Big 12 tournament performance included a competitive 77-68 loss to powerhouse Houston, where Jakimovski dropped 25 points. That kind of effort makes them a live dog in this one—especially if they heat up from beyond the arc.
Betting Prediction & Picks
Villanova’s defensive structure and experience in big-game spots should carry weight here, especially with Dixon leading the charge and chasing a record. Colorado has the tools to keep it close early, but Villanova’s edge in physicality and depth gives them the upper hand as the game wears on.
Prediction: Villanova 75, Colorado 67
Best Bet: Villanova -4
Total Lean: Under 144.5 – Expect tempo control from Villanova and a focus on half-court execution.
- NCAAB Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook
