Jan 23, 2026; Fort Collins, Colorado, USA; Utah State Aggies guard Mason Falslev (12) controls the ball as Colorado State Rams guard Jase Butler (4) guards in the first half at Moby Arena. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images
Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images

Utah State vs Villanova Prediction 3/20/2026 Today’s College Basketball Picks

Pick details

MATCHUP Utah State Aggies Villanova Wildcats
Team Records 28-6 24-8
Spread -1.5 -115 +1.5 -105
Moneyline -125 +105
Total Over 146.5 (-115) Under 146.5 (-105)
Where Villanova Stadium
When Friday, March 20, 2026
Time 04:10 PM EDT
TV TNT

In this article we will formulate a Utah State vs Villanova prediction for this College Basketball game on Friday, March 20th at Viejas Arena in San Diego, California. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this NCAA Tournament matchup.

Utah State Aggies Betting Preview

The Utah State Aggies are 28-6 (15-5) this year after they defeated San Diego State by a score of 73-62 in their last game. Utah State trailed 35-34 at halftime, but they outscored SDSU 39-27 in the second half for the win. The Aggies shot 46% from the field, 29% on three pointers, and 54% on free throws in the game. MJ Collins Jr led Utah State with 20 points and three rebounds, while Mason Falslev added 16 points and six assists in the win. 

Prior to that game, Utah State defeated Nevada by a score of 79-66 and UNLV by a score of 80-60. The Aggies have scored 82.5 points per game with 34.6 rebounds and 17.6 assists per game, while they have allowed 70.4 points against per game this season. MJ Collins Jr is averaging 17.6 points and 2.4 rebounds per game, while Mason Falslev is averaging 16.1 points and 5.8 rebounds per game for the Aggies. Utah State is shooting 49.8% from the field, 70.7% on free throws, and 35.8% on three pointers this year. 

Villanova Wildcats Betting Preview

The Villanova Wildcats are 24-8 (15-5) this season after they lost to Georgetown by a score of 78-64 in their last game. Villanova trailed 35-31 at halftime and they allowed 43 points in the second half in the loss. The Wildcats shot 38% from the field, 24% on three pointers, and 79% on free throws in the game. Duke Brennan led Villanova with 14 points and six rebounds, while Tyler Perkins added 13 points and four rebounds in the loss. 

Prior to that game, Villanova defeated Xavier by a score of 91-78 and DePaul by a score of 76-57. The Wildcats have scored 77.2 points per game with 34.5 rebounds and 15.5 assists per game, while they have allowed 70.8 points against per game this season. Tyler Perkins is averaging 13.7 points and 5.4 rebounds per game, while Acaden Lewis is averaging 12.3 points and 5.3 assists per game for the Wildcats. Villanova is shooting 45.7% from the field, 69.4% on free throws, and 35.3% on three pointers this year. 

Why the Villanova Wildcats will win

  • Villanova has won 16 of its last 17 NCAA Tournament games against a lower seed.
  • Utah State has lost the first half in each of its last three NCAA Tournament games against a higher seed.

Why the Utah State Aggies will win

  • Utah State has won each of its last eight day games against non-AP-ranked opponents at a neutral venue.
  • Villanova has lost four of its last five day games against non-AP-ranked opponents at a neutral venue.
  • Villanova has lost the first half in three of its last four games against non-AP-ranked opponents at a neutral venue.

Total Points Facts

  • Each of Villanova’s last eight NCAA Tournament games have produced a total of 146 or fewer points.
  • Each of Utah State’s last three games have produced a total of 145 or fewer points.

Matchup/League Facts

  • Villanova ranks 38th among Division 1 teams for opponent free throws made per game this season (12.0).
  • Villanova ranks 38th among Division 1 teams for opponent free throw attempts per game this season (16.6).
  • Utah State ranks 16th among Division 1 teams for true shooting percentage this season (61.0%).
  • Utah State ranks T17th among Division 1 teams for assists per game this season (17.7).

Utah State vs Villanova Prediction

Utah State comes into this matchup on a four game winning streak and they are representing the Mountain West after a pretty dominating season. The Aggies are shooting 50% from the field and they have allowed 66 points or fewer in three straight. Villanova has split their last four games and they looked awful against Georgetown last time out. The Wildcats are shooting 46% from the field and they have allowed 78+ points in three of their last four. I know this is a very popular play, but I am going with Utah State to get the win.

David Racey's Pick: Utah State ML

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