Delaware looks to produce an upset behind Jameer Nelson Jr, while the Villanova Wildcats start to make their tournament run in this Round of 64 matchup.
TV schedule: March 18th, 2022, on CBS at 2:45
Location: PPG Paints Arena, (Located in Pittsburgh, PA)
The Villanova Wildcats go into this game with a record of 25-7. While the Wildcats would have gotten in without an auto-bid, Villanova is in courtesy of their Big East Tournament win.
The Wildcats are led by Collin Gillespie. Gillespie averages 15.9 points per game on 44 percent shooting. Another notable scorer for the Wildcats is Justin Moore. Moore averages 15 points per game on 39 percent shooting. The Wildcats have one of the better defenses in the country. Villanova allows 63 points per game. That is good for the 24th in the country.
The Delaware Blue Hens go into this game with a record of 22-12. The Blue Hens are in the tournament via the CAA championship Autobid. Delaware beat UNC Wilmington to get into the tournament. This is the Blue Hens’ first tournament appearance since 2014.
The Blue Hens are led by Jameer Nelson Jr (Former NBA player son, Jameer Nelson). Nelson Jr averages 13 points per game on 45 percent shooting.
Look for the Wildcats to put the clamps on Nelson Jr early. The Blue Hens will need for Nelson to get hot for them to have a shot to pull off the upset. If Nelson and the Blue Hens pull off the upset, this will bust a lot of brackets as a lot of people have the Wildcats coming out of the South Region.
While Nelson Jr will keep this game close, Villanova simply has more talent than the Blue Hens. While Villanova should win this game, A Delaware upset isn’t out of the question. If Nelson is able to get hot, don’t be surprised if they makes a run to the Sweet Sixteen. While this is unlikely, don’t be surprised if Delaware is a bracket buster.
Prediction: Villanova 67, Delaware 62