| MATCHUP | Holy Cross Crusaders | Villanova Wildcats |
|---|---|---|
| Team Records | 0-1 | 0-1 |
| Where | Finneran Pavilion, Villanova, PA | |
| When | Friday, November 6, 2026 | |
| Time | 07:00 PM EST | |
| TV | ESPN+ | |
Holy Cross vs Villanova Prediction
In this Holy Cross vs Villanova Prediction, Villanova is coming as -31.5 home favorites. Both teams are coming off defeats in their opening games of the season, with Villanova coming off a narrow two-point defeat by Notre Dame, while Holy Cross got annihilated in Rhode Island by 44 points. Villanova is the superior team in this matchup, they will be playing their home opener of the season and will have the frustration to bounce back after a heart-breaking loss in their first game of the season and what better team to face in this spot than Holy Cross. Villanova were very strong at home and had a 19-14 ATS record last season and I expect them to blow out Holy Cross today and cover the big spread at home.
Villanova Wildcats Preview
The Villanova Wildcats have a 0-1 overall record and a 0-0 home record. They are coming off a 72-74 neutral loss against Notre Dame and will face La Salle and Rider next.
Offensively, they are averaging 72.0 points per game (ranking 223rd in the nation), while allowing 74.0 points per game defensively (196th). They have a 101.8 offensive rating (ranking 223rd) and a 104.6 defensive rating (209th). The Wildcats are shooting 46.2% from the field (ranking 170th in the nation) and 35.5% from beyond the arc (65th), while grabbing 37.0 rebounds per game (189th in the nation) and averaging 12.0 assists per game (230th). They have 4.0 blocks per game (122nd in the nation) and 6.0 steals per game (219th).
Tyler Perkins leads Villanova in scoring, averaging 18.0 ppg on 50.0% shooting from the field. Elijah Crawford follows with 12.0 ppg on 57.1% shooting from the field, also adding a team-high 5.0 assists per game. Jake Fiegen follows with 11.0 ppg on 50.0% shooting from the field, while Devin Royal leads the Wildcats in rebounding with 8.0 rebounds per game.
Holy Cross Crusaders Preview
The Holy Cross Crusaders have a 0-1 overall record and a 0-1 away record. They are coming off a 59-103 road loss against Rhode Island and will face Furman and Albany (NY) next.
Offensively, they are averaging 59.0 points per game (ranking 299th in the nation), while allowing 103.0 points per game defensively (341st). They have a 81.6 offensive rating (ranking 308th) and a 142.5 defensive rating (345th). The Crusaders are shooting 38.2% from the field (ranking 278th in the nation) and 30.4% from beyond the arc (206th), while grabbing 29.0 rebounds per game (296th in the nation) and averaging 14.0 assists per game (183rd). They have 2.0 blocks per game (243rd in the nation) and 1.0 steals per game (348th).
Kole Hanson leads Holy Cross in scoring, averaging 11.0 ppg on 44.4% shooting from the field, also adding a team-high 5.0 assists per game. Chuck Hare follows with 10.0 ppg on 60.0% shooting from the field, also adding a team-high 8.0 rebounds per game. Tristen Wilson follows with 9.0 ppg on 75.0% shooting from the field.
Holy Cross Crusaders @ Villanova Wildcats Betting Trends: November 6, 2026
Why the Villanova Wildcats will win
- Villanova has won each of its last 10 night games against non-Conference opponents at Finneran Pavilion.
- Holy Cross has lost each of its last seven games following a road loss.
- Holy Cross has lost the first half in each of its last six road night games against non-Conference opponents.
Why the Holy Cross Crusaders will win
- Villanova has lost each of its last three games against non-AP-ranked opponents.
Total Points Facts
- Five of Villanova’s last six night games against non-Conference opponents at Finneran Pavilion have produced a total of 154+ points.
- Six of Holy Cross’ last eight games against the Big East Conference have produced a total of 136 or fewer points.
Matchup/League Facts
- Holy Cross ranks T359th among Division 1 teams for opponent turnovers per game this season (5.0).
- Holy Cross ranks 359th among Division 1 teams for defensive rating this season (143.6).