NCAA Tournament Odds: Saint Mary’s vs. Villanova

Scottie Reynolds had a very up-and-down day on Thursday. (AP Images)

A lot of people questioned why Villanova got a No. 2 seed in the NCAA Tournament after the Wildcats had lost five of seven to close the season, which included a defeat to Marquette in the Nova’s Big East Tournament opener. And Villanova looked anything like a No. 2 seed on Thursday in barely escaping No. 15 Robert Morris, 73-70 in overtime. If Nova plays like it did then on Saturday against No. 10 Saint Mary’s, its season will be over. However, Villanova has opened as a 4.5-point favorite on Bodog’s college basketball odds for the South Region game in Providence, R.I.

Villanova All-American guard Scottie Reynolds had a day to forget in the first round. He was benched for the start of the game (along with fellow starter Corey Fisher) for undisclosed reasons, and Reynolds started 1-for-14 from the field as the Wildcats (25-7, 18-13 ATS) saw themselves down eight points with just over eight minutes remaining. But then Reynolds made his mark at the free-throw line, hitting 7-for-8 in the final three minutes-plus to get the game to overtime. He finished with 20 points on 2-for-15 from the field but was 15-for-16 from the line.

Saint Mary’s (27-5, 20-10 ATS) took care of No. 7 seed Richmond on Thursday, 80-71, behind star center Omar Samhan’s 29 points and 12 rebounds. That was the Gaels’ first NCAA Tournament win since 1959. If Villanova has one weakness it’s defending talented big men, so Samhan could have another big day Saturday if he stays out of foul trouble (he was in a bit against Richmond). Thanks to him, the Gaels outrebounded Richmond a whopping 40-17 for their biggest rebounding margin of the season. Villanova will have the huge edge in the backcourt, so Samhan will need a big game.

Let the Madness reign with Bodog’s odds and props!