Update: February 7 (Game Results) … With the Cat’s 74-72 victory over Providence, we congratulate seven VUHoops readers who took medals in this round.  Gold Medal:  marty1029 (75-71), earning 5.0 points; Silver Medal: bhank (77-71), earning 3.0 points; Bronze Medals: barry class of 57 (72-69), Gorms (78-71), Jim89 (73-68), LouBevi (75-68), and Steph (70-73),   earning 1.0 point each.   Our updated leader board is provided below.

VUHoops vs. Vegas:  Based on the average predicted scores of the VUHoops Crowd and the posted Vegas line, we would have had a DOUBLE WIN by picking Providence +8.0 points (WIN) and the Under (WIN).  The details follow.  With the loss, we drop to are even for the season.

Leader Board

Update: February 7 (Game Time) A total of 45 VUHoops readers posted predictions, with 5 (11%) picking the Cats to lose.  As a group, the readers see ‘Nova winning by a 6.0 points, 79-73, implying an over/under of 152.0.  The Vegas odds makers pick ‘Nova to win by 8.0 points and set the over/under at 154.5 points, implying a final score of 81-73.

Scatter Plot of Predicted Scores

Window Opening:  February 6, 8:30 PM … The window is now open for our readers to post their predicted final scores for Tuesday’s game against Providence at the Pavilion (8:00PM, WPHL17) in the 16th round of our Closest to the Pin Contest.  Scott0220 has retaken the lead and now stands alone in first place; click here to see our full leader board.

Villanova (10-13, 3-8) is unranked in the AP and ESPN/USA Today Coaches Polls but is ranked #81 by Kenpom.com.  The Cats have a RPI of 94, a SOS of 4, and score an average of 73.6 PPG while giving up an average of 72.1 PPG.

Providence (13-11, 2-9) is unranked in the AP and ESPN/USA Today Coaches Polls but is ranked #117 by Kenpom.com. The Friars have an RPI of 137, a SOS of 104, and are scoring an average of 71.0 PPG while giving up an average of 68.7 PPG.  The table below sets out their Big East wins and losses so far this season.

Be sure to read our game preview tomorrow.  Good luck!

Special Note: When posting predictions, be sure to:

• Use a consistent handle / ID so that we can keep an accurate running leader board over the course of the season. Obviously, score predictions posted by anonymous readers cannot be accepted.
• List your predicted score for Villanova first, followed by the score for the opponent (e.g., Cats 100, Friars 75)

Update: February 5 (Game Results) … With the Cat’s 70-79 loss to Pittsburgh, we congratulate seven VUHoops readers who took medals in this round.  Gold Medals:  Jim89 (68-78), jtc123 (69-81) and Scott0220 (69-77), earning 7.5 points each; Silver Medals: Bri’13 (68-77) and TK87 (70-75), earning 4.5 points each; Bronze Medals: Clarkkell (74-80), and Loser Cruiser (71-75) earning 1.5 point each.   Our updated leader board is provided below.

VUHoops vs. Vegas:  Based on the average predicted scores of the VUHoops Crowd and the posted Vegas line, we would have had a DOUBLE LOSS by picking ‘Nova +8.0 points (LOSS) and the Under (LOSS).  The details follow.  With the loss, we drop to -$200 for the season.

Leader Board

Update: February 5 (Game Time)  A total of 45 VUHoops readers posted predictions, with 24 (53%) picking the Cats to lose.  As a group, the readers see ‘Nova losing by a 2.0 points,  69-71, implying an over/under of 140.0.  The Vegas odds makers pick ‘Nova to lose by 8.0 points and set the over/under at 144.5 points, implying a final score of 68-76.

Scatter Plot of Predicted Scores

Window Opening:  February 2, 9:00 PM … The window is now open for our readers to post their predicted final scores for Sunday’s game At Pittsburgh (2:00PM , ESPN) in the 15th round of our Closest to the Pin Contest.  Clarkkell stands alone in first place; click here to see our full leader board.

Special Note:  This is the third of our rivalry games; points awarded in this round increase as follows:  Bulls-eye = 15 points; Gold (non-bulls-eye) =7.5 pts; Silver = 4.5 pts; Bronze = 1.5 pts.

Villanova (10-12, 3-7) is unranked in the AP and ESPN/USA Today Coaches Polls but is ranked #72 by Kenpom.com.  The Cats have a RPI of 89, a SOS of 4, and score an average of 73.8 PPG while giving up an average of 71.8 PPG.

Pittsburgh (14-9, 3-7) is unranked in the AP and ESPN/USA Today Coaches Polls but is ranked #70 by Kenpom.com. The Panthers have an RPI of 64, a SOS of 18, and are scoring an average of 71.4 PPG while giving up an average of 66.6 PPG.  The table below sets out their Big East wins and losses so far this season.

Be sure to read our game preview tomorrow.  Good luck!

Special Note: When posting predictions, be sure to:

• Use a consistent handle / ID so that we can keep an accurate running leader board over the course of the season. Obviously, score predictions posted by anonymous readers cannot be accepted.
• List your predicted score for Villanova first, followed by the score for the opponent (e.g., Cats 100, Panthers 75)

Update: January 28 (Game Results) … With the Cat’s 78-82 loss to Marquette, we congratulate four VUHoops readers who took medals in this round.  Gold Medal:  marc (76-82), earning 5.0 points; Silver Medal: FruitLoops (75-83), earning 3.0 points; Bronze Medals: Ed’77 (80-79), and Jim89 (73-82) earning 1.0 point each.   Our updated leader board is provided below.

VUHoops vs. Vegas:  Based on the average predicted scores of the VUHoops Crowd and the posted Vegas line, we would have had a SINGLE LOSS by picking ‘Nova +2.5 points (LOSS) and making no bet on the the Over/Under.  The details follow.  With the loss, we are even for the season.

Leader Board

Update: January 28 (Game Time)   A total of 50VUHoops readers posted predictions, with 30 (650%) picking the Golden Eagles to win.  As a group, the readers see ‘Nova losing by a score of 75-76 (a margin of 1.0 point and an implied over/under of 151.0).  The Vegas odds makers pick ‘Nova to lose by 2.5 points and set the over/under at 151.0 points, implying a final score of 74-77.

Scatter Plot of Predicted Scores

Window Opening:  January 26, 9:00 PM … The window is now open for our readers to post their predicted final scores for Saturday’s game vs. Marquette at Wells Fargo Center (12 Noon, ESPN2) in the 14th round of our Closest to the Pin Contest.  Clarkkell stands alone in first place; click here to see our full leader board.

Villanova (10-11, 3-6) is unranked in the AP and ESPN/USA Today Coaches Polls but is ranked #75 by Kenpom.com.  The Cats have a RPI of 77, a SOS of 3, and score an average of 73.6 PPG while giving up an average of 71.3 PPG.

Marquette (17-4, 6-2) is ranked #17 in the AP Poll and #17 by Kenpom.com. The Golden Eagles have an RPI of 9, a SOS of 23, and are scoring an average of 76.3 PPG while giving up an average of 63.7 PPG.  The table below sets out their Big East wins and losses so far this season.

Be sure to read our game preview tomorrow.  Good luck!

Special Note: When posting predictions, be sure to:

• Use a consistent handle / ID so that we can keep an accurate running leader board over the course of the season. Obviously, score predictions posted by anonymous readers cannot be accepted.
• List your predicted score for Villanova first, followed by the score for the opponent (e.g., Cats 100, Golden Eagles 75)

Update: January 25 (Game Results) … With the Cat’s 74-84 loss Louisville, we congratulate five VUHoops readers who took medals in this round.  Gold Medals:  Bri’13 (72-80), BZ34 (72-80), and jtc123 (72-80), earning 5.0 points each; Silver Medal: regred (70-81), earning 3.0 points; Bronze Medal: Two in the Pinkston (70-78), earning 1.0 point.   Our updated leader board is provided below.

VUHoops vs. Vegas:  Based on the average predicted scores of the VUHoops Crowd and the posted Vegas line, we would have had a PUSH by picking ‘Nova +9.5 points (LOSS) and betting the Over (WIN).  The details follow.  With the push, we remain +$100 for the season.

Leader Board

Update: January 25 (Game Time)   A total of 53 VUHoops readers posted predictions, with 34 (64%) picking the Cardinals to win.  As a group, the readers see ‘Nova losing by a score of 70-72 (a margin of 2.0 points and an implied over/under of 144.0).  The Vegas odds makers pick Louisville to win by 9.5 and set the over/under at 141.5 points, implying a final score of 66-76.

Scatter Plot of Predicted Scores

Window Opening (January 23, 8:30 PM) … The window is now open for readers to post their predicted final scores for ‘Nova’s game at Louisville on Wednesday (7:00PM, ESPN) in our Closest to the Pin Contest.  Clarkkell remains in first place with 14.0 points. Click here to see our updated leader board.

Villanova (10-10, 3-5) is unranked in the AP and ESPN/USA Today Coaches Polls but is ranked #75 by Kenpom.com.  The Cats have a RPI of 72, a SOS of 4, and score an average of 73.5 PPG while giving up an average of 70.7 PPG.

Louisville (15-5, 3-4) is ranked #23 by AP and  #41 by Kenpom.com. The Cardinals have an RPI of 40, a SOS of 50, and are scoring an average of 70.8 PPG while giving up an average of 61.6 PPG.  Their wins and losses break down as follows:

Be sure to check out Brian’s game preview on Friday.

When posting predictions, please:

• Use a consistent handle / ID so that we can keep an accurate running leader board over the course of the season. Obviously, score predictions posted by anonymous readers cannot be accepted.
• List your predicted score for Villanova first, followed by the score for the opponent (e.g., Cats 100, Cardinals 75)

Update: January 18 (Game Results)   With the Cat’s 79-76 win over St. John’s, we congratulate five VUHoops readers who took medals in this round.  Gold Medal:  Dom (78-76), earning 5.0 points; Silver Medals: Bill ’77 (80-78), and marty1029 (82-76), earning 3.0 points each; Bronze Medals: schitzengigles10 (79-72) and Loser Cruiser (81-74), earning 1.0 point each.   Our updated leader board is provided below.

VUHoops vs. Vegas:  Based on the average predicted scores of the VUHoops Crowd and the posted Vegas line, we would have had a DOUBLE-WIN by picking ‘Nova to beat the -2.5 point spread (WIN) and betting the Over (WIN).  The details follow.  With the double-win, we are now +$100 for the season.

Leader Board

Update: January 21 (Game Time)   A total of 52 VUHoops readers posted predictions, with 6 (12%) picking the Johnnies to win.  As a group, the readers see ‘Nova winning by a score of 79-68 (a margin of 9.0 points and implied over/under of 145.0).  The Vegas odds makers pick ‘Nova to win by 2.5 and set the over/under at 141.5 points, implying a final score of 72-70.

Scatter Plot of Predicted Scores

Window Opening (Thursday, January 19, 8:30 PM) … The window is now open for readers to post their predicted final scores for ‘Nova’s game at St. John’s on Saturday at Madison Square Garden (1:00PM, ESPNU) in our Closest to the Pin Contest.  Clarkkell remains in first place with 14.0 points. Click here to see our updated leader board.

Villanova (9-10, 2-5) is unranked in the AP and ESPN/USA Today Coaches Polls but is ranked #71 by Kenpom.com.  The Cats have a RPI of 91, a SOS of 3, and score an average of 73.3 PPG while giving up an average of 70.4 PPG.

St. John’s (8-10, 2-5) is unranked in the AP and ESPN/USA Today Coaches Polls but is ranked #171 by Kenpom.com. The Red Storm have an RPI of 148, a SOS of 58, and are scoring an average of 65.1 PPG while giving up an average of 67.3 PPG.  Their wins and losses break down as follows:

Be sure to check out Brian’s game preview on Friday.

When posting predictions, please:

• Use a consistent handle / ID so that we can keep an accurate running leader board over the course of the season. Obviously, score predictions posted by anonymous readers cannot be accepted.
• List your predicted score for Villanova first, followed by the score for the opponent (e.g., Cats 100, Red Storm 75)

Update: January 18 (Game Results)   With the Cat’s 84-76 win over Seton Hall, we congratulate four VUHoops readers who took medals in this round.  Gold Medal:  NovaCat94 (82-76), earning 5.0 points; Silver Medal: Bill ’62 (84-79), earning 3.0 points; Bronze Medals: Bill’77 (79-77) and NovaFlyer (80-74), earning 1.0 point each.   Our updated leader board is provided below.

VUHoops vs. Vegas:  Based on the average predicted scores of the VUHoops Crowd and the posted Vegas line, we would have had a SINGLE-WIN by making no bet on the spread and betting the Over (WIN).  The details follow.  With the single-win, we are now -$100 for the season.

Leader Board

Update: January 18 (Game Time)   A total of 55 VUHoops readers posted predictions, with 24 (44%) picking the Pirates to win.  As a group, the readers see ‘Nova losing by a score of 72-73 (a margin of -1.0 points and implied over/under of 145.0).  The Vegas odds makers pick Seton Hall to win by 1.0 and set the over/under at 138.0. points, implying a final score of 69-70.

Scatter Plot of Predicted Scores

Window Opening (Monday, January 16, 7:00 PM)    The window is now open for readers to post their predicted final scores for ‘Nova’s game vs. Seton Hall on Wednesday at the Pavilion (7:00PM;  ESPNU) in our Closest to the Pin Contest.  Clarkkell remains in first place with 14.0 points. Click here to see our updated leader board.

Villanova (8-10, 1-5) is unranked in the AP and ESPN/USA Today Coaches Polls but is ranked #78 by Kenpom.com.  The Cats have a RPI of 104, a SOS of 8, and score an average of 72.7 PPG while giving up an average of 70.1 PPG.

Seton Hall (15-3, 4-2) is ranked #24 in the AP, #28 in the ESPN/USA Today Coaches Polls #33 by Kenpom.com. The Pirates have an RPI of 5, a SOS of 7, and are scoring an average of 72.2 PPG while giving up an average of 62.6 PPG.  Their wins and losses break down as follows:

Be sure to check out Brian’s game preview on Tuesday.

When posting predictions, please:

• Use a consistent handle / ID so that we can keep an accurate running leader board over the course of the season. Obviously, score predictions posted by anonymous readers cannot be accepted.
• List your predicted score for Villanova first, followed by the score for the opponent (e.g., Cats 100, Bearcats 75)

Update: January 14 (Game Results)   With the Cat’s 78-82 loss to Cincinnati, we congratulate three VUHoops readers who took medals in this round.  Gold Medal:  Bill ‘62 (81-78), earning 5.0 points; Silver Medal: Southoftheborder (82-78), earning 3.0 points; Bronze Medal: Jimmy (72-77) earning 1.0 point.   Our updated leader board is provided below.

VUHoops vs. Vegas:  Based on the average predicted scores of the VUHoops Crowd and the posted Vegas line, we would have had a DOUBLE-WIN by betting DePaul +7.5 (LOSS) and the Under (LOSS).  The details follow.  With the double-win, we are now -$200 for the season.

Leader Board

Update: January 14 (Game Time)   A total of 54 VUHoops readers have posted predictions, with 25 (46%) picking the Bearcats to win.  As a group, the readers see ‘Nova losing by a score of 67-70 (a margin of 3.0 points and implied over/under of 137).  The Vegas odds makers pick Cincinnati to win by 8.0 and set the over/under at 134.0 points, implying a final score of 63-71.

Scatter Plot of Predicted Scores

Window Opening (Thursday, January 12, 8:30 PM)    The window is now open for readers to post their predicted final scores for ‘Nova’s game at Cincinnati on Saturday at 12 Noon ET (WPHL-17) in our Closest to the Pin Contest.  Clarkkell now stands alone in first place with 14.0 points.  Click here to see our updated leader board.

Villanova (8-9, 1-4) is unranked in the AP and ESPN/USA Today Coaches Polls but is ranked #81 by Kenpom.com.  The Cats have a RPI of 109, a SOS of 12, and score an average of 72.4 PPG while giving up an average of 69.4 PPG.

Cincinnati (13-4, 3-1) is unranked in the AP and ESPN/USA Today Coaches Polls, but is ranked #44 by Kenpom.com. The Bearcats have an RPI of 111, a SOS of 226, and are scoring an average of 69.9 PPG while giving up an average of 57.6 PPG.  The wins and losses break down as follows:

Be sure to check out Brian’s game preview.

When posting predictions, please:

• Use a consistent handle / ID so that we can keep an accurate running leader board over the course of the season. Obviously, score predictions posted by anonymous readers cannot be accepted.
• List your predicted score for Villanova first, followed by the score for the opponent (e.g., Cats 100, Bearcats 75)

Update: January 11 (Game Results)   With the Cat’s 66-79 loss to Syracuse, we congratulate seven VUHoops readers who took medals in this round.  Gold Medal:  Clarkkell (67-79), earning 7.5 points; Silver Medals: TK87 (67-80), DP5 (64-79), Loser Cruiser (67-78), and BZ34 (66-81) earning 4.5 points each; Bronze Medals: JMac726 (68-77) and Old School (69-80), earning 1.5 points each.   Our updated leader board is provided below.

VUHoops vs. Vegas:  Based on the average predicted scores of the VUHoops Crowd and the posted Vegas line, we would have had a DOUBLE-LOSS by betting Villanova +9.5 (LOSS) and the Over (LOSS).  The details follow.  With the double-loss, we fall to -$400 for the season.

Leader Board

Update: January 11 (Game Time)   A total of 67 VUHoops readers posted predictions, with 44 (66%) picking the Orange to win.  As a group, the readers see ‘Nova losing by a score of 70-79 (a margin of -9.0 points and implied over/under of 149).  The Vegas odds makers pick Syracuse to win by 9.5 and set the over/under at 145.0 points, implying a final score of 68-77.

Scatter Plot of Predicted Scores

Window Opening (Monday, January 9, 6:00 PM)    The window is now open for readers to post their predicted final scores for ‘Nova’s big game against #1 Syracuse on Wednesday at 7:00 PM (Wells Fargo Center, ESPN2) in our Closest to the Pin Contest.  Scott0220 remains alone are in first place with 10.0 points.  Click here to see our updated leader board.

Special Note:   As the second of four rivalry games, this is a great time to make a move on the leader board as points increase by 50% in this round:  Bulls-eye = 15 pts; Gold (non-bulls-eye) =7.5 pts; Silver = 4.5 pts; Bronze = 1.5 pts

Villanova (8-8, 1-3) is unranked in the AP and ESPN/USA Today Coaches Polls but is ranked #86 by Kenpom.com.  The Cats have a RPI of 108, a SOS of 25, and score an average of 72.8 PPG while giving up an average of 68.8 PPG.

Syracuse (17-0, 4-0) is ranked #1 in both the AP and ESPN/USA Today Coaches Polls, but is ranked #4 by Kenpom.com. The Orange have an RPI of 1, a SOS of 1, and are scoring an average of 80.6 PPG while giving up an average of 60.2 PPG.  Their seventeen victories have come as follows (games listed chronologically):

Be sure to check out Brian’s game preview on Tuesday.

When posting predictions, please:

• Use a consistent handle / ID so that we can keep an accurate running leader board over the course of the season. Obviously, score predictions posted by anonymous readers cannot be accepted.
• List your predicted score for Villanova first, followed by the score for the opponent (e.g., Cats 100, Orange 75)

Update: January 8 (Game Results)   With the Cat’s 87-71 win over DePaul, we congratulate four VUHoops readers who took medals in this round.  Gold Medal:  barry class of 57 (84-68), earning 5.0 points; Silver Medals: Robertrise (79-73) and Steve V (79-69) earning 3.0 points each; Bronze Medal: bhank (76-71), earning 1.0 point.   Our updated leader board is provided below.

VUHoops vs. Vegas:  Based on the average predicted scores of the VUHoops Crowd and the posted Vegas line, we would have had a DOUBLE-LOSS by betting DePaul +7.5 (LOSS) and the Under (LOSS).  The details follow.  With the double-loss, we fall to -$200 for the season.

Leader Board

Update: January 8 (Game Time)   A total of 40 VUHoops readers have posted predictions, with 17 (43%) picking the Blue Demons to win.  As a group, the readers see ‘Nova losing in a close one,  71-72 (a margin of -1.0 points and implied over/under of 143).  The Vegas odds makers pick ‘Nova to win by 7.5 and set the over/under at 153.0 points, implying a final score of 80-73.

Scatter Plot of Predicted Scores

Window Opening:  Friday, January 6, 7:30 PM     The window is now open for our readers to post their predicted final scores for Sunday’s game against DePaul at the Pavilion (Noon, WPHL17) in the eighth round of our Closest to the Pin Contest.  Scott0220 stands alone in first place; click here to see our full leader board.

Villanova (7-8, 0-3) is unranked in the AP and ESPN/USA Today Coaches Polls but is ranked #82 by Kenpom.com.  The Cats have an RPI of 114, a SOS of 26, and score an average of 71.8 PPG while giving up an average of 68.7.

DePaul (10-4, 1-1) is unranked in the AP and ESPN/USA Today Coaches Polls but is ranked #148 by Kenpom.com.  The Blue Demons have an RPI of 157, a SOS of 274, and are scoring an average of 77.6 PPG while giving up an average of 72.3 PPG.  The table below sets out their wins and losses so far this season.

Be sure to read our game preview tomorrow.  We’ll add the Las Vegas spread / over-under when it’s posted.  Good luck!

Special Note: When posting predictions, be sure to:

• Use a consistent handle / ID so that we can keep an accurate running leader board over the course of the season. Obviously, score predictions posted by anonymous readers cannot be accepted.
• List your predicted score for Villanova first, followed by the score for the opponent (e.g., Cats 100, DePaul 75)

Update: January 5 (Game Results)   With the Cat’s 57-74 loss to South Florida, we congratulate four VUHoops readers who took medals in this round.  Gold Medal:  FruitLoops (64-68), earning 5.0 points; Silver Medal: Pretty Toney (69-71), earning 3.0 points; Bronze Medals: Beardog (59-60) and Jim89 (72-75) earning 1.0 point each.   Our updated leader board is provided below.

VUHoops vs. Vegas:  Based on the average predicted scores of the VUHoops Crowd and the posted Vegas line, we would have had a PUSH by betting ‘Nova +7.5 (LOSS) and the Over (WIN).  The details follow.  With the push, we remain even for the season.

Leader Board

Update: January 5 (Game time)   A total of 60 VUHoops readers posted predictions, with 5 picking the Bulls to win.  As a group, the readers see ‘Nova winning by a score of 73-65 (a margin of 8.0 points and implied over/under of 138).  The Vegas odds makers pick Villanova to win by 7.5 and set the over/under at 126.5 points, implying a final score of 67-60.

Scatter Plot of Predicted Scores

Window Opening:  Tuesday, January 3, 5:30 PM   The window is now open for our readers to post their predicted final scores for Thursday’s game home at the Pavilion (8:00PM ET, WPHL17) in the seventh round of our Closest to the Pin Contest.  Scott0220 stands alone in first place; click here to see our full leader board.

Villanova (7-7, 0-2) is unranked in the AP and ESPN/USA Today Coaches Polls but is ranked #60 by Kenpom.com.  The Cats have an RPI of 90, a SOS of 31, and score an average of 72.9 PPG (8^th in the Big East) while giving up an average of 68.3 (8^th in the Big East).

South Florida (8-7, 1-1) unranked in the AP and ESPN/USA Today Coaches Polls but is ranked #135 by Kenpom.com.  The Bulls have an RPI of 138, a SOS of 75, and are scoring an average of 61.3 PPG (16th in the Big East) while giving up an average of 58.3 PPG (16th in the Big East).  The table below sets out their wins and losses so far this season.

Be sure to read our game preview tomorrow.  We’ll add the Las Vegas spread / over-under when it’s posted.  Good luck!

Special Note: When posting predictions, be sure to:

• Use a consistent handle / ID so that we can keep an accurate running leader board over the course of the season. Obviously, score predictions posted by anonymous readers cannot be accepted.
• List your predicted score for Villanova first, followed by the score for the opponent (e.g., Cats 100, Bulls 75)