The UConn Huskies take on the Villanova Wildcats in Philadelphia, PA. Tip-off is set for 5:30 p.m. ET on TNT.
UConn is favored by 2.5 points on the spread with a moneyline of -140. The total is set at 140.5 points.
Here’s my UConn vs. Villanova predictions and college basketball picks for February 21, 2026.
UConn vs Villanova Prediction
My Pick: UConn ML -140 (Play to -150)
My UConn vs Villanova best bet is on the Huskies to win outright. For all of your college basketball bets, be sure to find the best lines by using our live NCAAB odds page.
UConn vs. Villanova Odds
| UConn Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-2.5 -105 | 140.5 -110o / -110u | -140 |
| Villanova Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+2.5 -115 | 140.5 -110o / -110u | +120 |
- UConn vs Villanova spread: UConn -2.5
- UConn vs Villanova over/under: 140.5 points
- UConn vs Villanova moneyline: UConn -140, Villanova +120
UConn vs Villanova College Basketball Betting Preview
UConn Basketball
UConn is a sure thing to make the NCAA Tournament, but losing to Creighton might throw a wrench in its plans for a No. 1 seed. The Huskies own three losses, two of which are certainly excusable Quad 1 defeats (Arizona, St. John's).
The argument against UConn is that its last four games have been somewhat uninspiring. Before its embarrassing loss vs. the Bluejays, it had a loss to St. John's, a 10-point win against Butler and a four-point victory against Georgetown.
The Huskies are a well-balanced, well-coached team, and I expect them to play some inspired basketball here.
Villanova Basketball
Villanova is experiencing its best season since the Jay Wright years, and it's done so with a similar philosophy that's bolstered by strong guard play.
The Wildcats' top three scoring threats are at the guard position, led by Tyler Perkins and his 13.7 points per game.
Villanova has shown it can come out a bit flat on its home court, especially against St. John’s and Creighton.
UConn has a bad taste in its mouth after a defeat against Creighton, and that's bad news for Villanova.
The biggest concern, though, is on the boards, where Villanova will likely concede multiple second-chance opportunities.
UConn vs. Villanova Betting Analysis
This was a game circled on my list to handicap, and my initial assessment has gone by the wayside. I initially liked Villanova to win this game and at least cover the spread.
But the events of February 18 have changed my perspective.
The Huskies, losing by seven points as double-digit favorites at home to Creighton, are primed for a good bounce-back spot. The spread is 2.5, but in a rare move, I recommend taking the moneyline on anything under -150.
The Huskies will be able to force bad shots from Villanova and will own a clear advantage on the glass.
I’ll lay the juice in this spot for UConn to win the game.
My Pick: UConn ML -140 (Play to -150)
