Aggies vs Wildcats: NCAA Showdown

0:00On March 20th, Utah State Aggies face off against the Villanova Wildcats in the first round of the NCAA tournament. The Aggies enter with a 28 and 6 overall record, including 18 wins and 5 losses in Mountain West Conference Play. Villanova sits at 24 and 8, with 15 wins and 6 losses in the Big East. The game tips off Friday at 4.10 pm. Eastern daylight time in San Diego, with Utah State favored by two and a half points and the over under at 147.5. Villanova ranks fourth in the Big East for assists, averaging 15.5 per game, paced by Akidan Lewis at 5.3. The Wildcats win 9 and 2 against non-conference foes. Meanwhile, Utah State dominated the Mountain West at 18 and 5 and holds a strong 23 and 6 mark against teams above 500. With Villanova hitting 45.7% from the field, better than the 42.4% Utah State allows.

1:02The Aggies counter at 49.9%, topping the 45% Villanova's opponents average. Key players include Lewis with 12.3 points and 5.3 assists for Villanova, plus Tyler Perkins at 15.1 points. Over the last 10 games, Villanova wins 7 and 3, scoring 76.2 points per game while holding foes to 75.3. Utah State also posted 7 wins and 3 losses, averaging 78.8 points and limiting opponents to 73.9 on. 46.5% shooting. This match up pits two hot teams with balanced attacks and solid defense, setting up a tight battle as they chase a tournament run.