Creighton Bluejays vs Villanova Wildcats Picks and Predictions December 21st 2024

Villanova brings 5-game win streak into matchup at Creighton

Villanova Wildcats are finding their groove at just the right time. Riding a five-game winning streak, the Wildcats face their first Big East Conference road test on Saturday afternoon against the Creighton Bluejays in Omaha, Nebraska.

The Wildcats (8-4, 1-0 Big East) have showcased remarkable offensive efficiency, shooting over 55% from the field in their last three games. This streak has bolstered their confidence as they look to extend their momentum against a Creighton team eager to bounce back from recent struggles.

Register Here!

Villanova’s Rising Momentum

Under the leadership of head coach Kyle Neptune, Villanova’s offensive cohesion and selflessness have been pivotal. “Our guys are so unselfish, and they’re making the right read,” Neptune said. “They’re really starting to trust each other.”

Key Player Spotlight: Eric Dixon

Eric Dixon, tied for first in the nation with a staggering 25.7 points per game, has been instrumental in Villanova’s success. Dixon’s history against Creighton is equally impressive, averaging 28.5 points per game against the Bluejays last season. His eight career matchups with Creighton have seen him post an average of 19.5 points, making him a player to watch.

Dixon’s dominance was on full display during Villanova’s 79-67 victory over Seton Hall earlier this week, where he poured in 25 points. Complementing Dixon’s performance, guard Tyler Perkins contributed 17 points off the bench, reinforcing the Wildcats’ depth. “He always brings energy and we know he’s a scorer,” Neptune said of Perkins, highlighting his defensive contributions as well.

Elevate your sports betting to the next level

Creighton’s Challenges and Strengths

The Bluejays (7-5, 0-1 Big East) have shown resilience this season, evidenced by their 6-1 home record, including an impressive victory over then-No. 1 Kansas. However, inconsistency has plagued them, particularly in games where they’ve trailed at halftime—four of their five losses have come under such circumstances.

Star Power: Kalkbrenner and Ashworth

Creighton’s offense revolves around Ryan Kalkbrenner, the Big East Preseason Player of the Year, who is averaging 16.7 points per game. He shares the team’s scoring lead with Steven Ashworth, whose streak of at least one 3-point basket in 30 consecutive games is the longest active streak in the Big East.

Head coach Greg McDermott emphasized the importance of adapting to opponents’ strategies in conference play. “When you get into Big East, teams are going to take away what you want to do,” McDermott said. “You have to make sure when you counter that, you don’t turn it over.”

Basketball Picks from NCAAB Expert Handicappers

Tactical Insights: Villanova’s Defensive Strategy

Villanova’s recent defensive adjustments, including the use of zone defenses, could play a critical role in Saturday’s game. “If you don’t give a team an advantage, you force them into contested looks,” Neptune explained, signaling that the Wildcats plan to disrupt Creighton’s offensive rhythm.

This tactical shift may be key in neutralizing Creighton’s perimeter shooting, led by Ashworth, and Kalkbrenner’s presence in the paint.

Historical Context and Rivalry

Villanova and Creighton split their two matchups last season, with each game decided by just two points. The Wildcats triumphed in an overtime thriller in their most recent encounter.

In the all-time series, Villanova leads 19-9, but their record at Creighton stands at a tighter 6-5. This will mark the third time in four seasons that the Wildcats visit Omaha for a pre-Christmas showdown. The previous two such meetings resulted in a split.

Key Factors to Watch

1. Eric Dixon’s Scoring: Can he maintain his dominance against a Creighton defense that will likely focus on containing him?
2. Creighton’s First Half: Will the Bluejays address their struggles in games where they trail early?
3. Defensive Adjustments: How effective will Villanova’s zone defense be in disrupting Creighton’s rhythm?
4. Three-Point Shooting: Steven Ashworth’s perimeter play could be a game-changer if Villanova fails to limit his opportunities.

The Stakes

For Villanova, a win would not only extend their streak to six games but also solidify their position as a rising force in the Big East. Creighton, meanwhile, seeks to regain their footing after a tough loss to Georgetown and to protect their strong home record.

The clash between two well-coached teams with distinct strengths and recent histories of close games promises to be a thrilling matchup.

Conclusion Villanova’s momentum, combined with Eric Dixon’s exceptional form, sets the stage for an exciting showdown against Creighton. However, the Bluejays’ home-court advantage and star players like Kalkbrenner and Ashworth ensure that this game will be anything but easy for the Wildcats.