MU opens plus 4

[MuMark]

Pomeroy has it at 3......39% chance of a win.

[Marcus92]

Pressure's on Nova to defend their court. And they're vulnerable, coming off three straight losses -- including two at home. If Creighton can go into Philly and get a win, we've got a shot. Can't wait for the game tomorrow.

[BM1090]

Pressure's on Nova to defend their court. And they're vulnerable, coming off three straight losses -- including two at home. If Creighton can go into Philly and get a win, we've got a shot. Can't wait for the game tomorrow.

Wells Fargo is a little less hostile than The Pavilion. We've got a shot. Not expecting this one, though.

[CountryRoads]

Wells Fargo is a little less hostile than The Pavilion. We've got a shot. Not expecting this one, though.

I'm pretty certain Marquette has never won at the pavilion.

[BM1090]

I'm pretty certain Marquette has never won at the pavilion.

I believe Nova is the only team that Wojo has not yet beaten on the road

[The Thing]

I believe Nova is the only team that Wojo has not yet beaten on the road

Ok, that means he is definitely due. Thinking this could be the year he wins at Villanova and wins a tournament game (or 2)

[2012 Warrior]

Already up to Nova -5 in overnight trading

[rocket surgeon]

first i realized espn has us ranked #18...that appears to be a little higher than MSU and UVA

[JamilJaeJamailJrJuan]

Playing with house money tonight.  A W and season sweep on Nova would be huuuuuuge.

[Heisenberg]

Pomeroy has it at 3......39% chance of a win.

He has it an MU "L" 76-73 (so three points)

[g0lden3agle]

He has it an MU "L" 76-73 (so three points)

Isn't.... Isn't that exactly what he said?

[Goose]

I think Nova wins by more than ten tonight. Hope I am wrong, but not optimistic.

[Shooter McGavin]

I think Nova wins by more than ten tonight. Hope I am wrong, but not optimistic.

I think Jay Wright will have Villanova loaded for Bear and laser focused tonight. It will be interesting to see how MU comes out of the gate.  I hope they are ready to go from the opening tip.  If they come out throwing haymakers I see it as much closer than 10 and possibly a win.  There is a lot at stake this game for both teams seed wise in the NCAA and for Markus's POY chances.  I think we are going to be ready for this one.  Not a must win by any means but a huge scalp to put on the wall if we can take it.

[MuMark]

Isn't.... Isn't that exactly what he said?

I thought so........

[We R Final Four]

Nova has not impressed too much this year. Tough team who relies on 3s. Could they shout the lights out? Absolutely. However, they are ripe for the picking.

[Heisenberg]

I think Jay Wright will have Villanova loaded for Bear and laser focused tonight. It will be interesting to see how MU comes out of the gate.  I hope they are ready to go from the opening tip.  If they come out throwing haymakers I see it as much closer than 10 and possibly a win.  There is a lot at stake this game for both teams seed wise in the NCAA and for Markus's POY chances.  I think we are going to be ready for this one.  Not a must win by any means but a huge scalp to put on the wall if we can take it.

A year ago this was the game that Howard was injured (was played Feb 27). MU was ranked #10 at the time.

They finished the year 1 - 6.

Time for payback!  Howard goes off for 50+ and MU wins!

[BM1090]

I think Nova wins by more than ten tonight. Hope I am wrong, but not optimistic.

From a pure basketball perspective I think we match up decently with Nova. But I agree I think we're due for a clunker and we're not going to get the same calls that we got at home. We'd need to shoot much better tonight to win this one.

[Mr. Sand-Knit]

Dont think we will win but i really like the matchup of kobe defending Gillespie.  Hope kobe can stay out of foul trouble n limit his turnovers and we are then a very tuff out

[tower912]

It is winnable, but it may take nuclear Markus.   If I was a bettor, I would take Nova and give the points.   But I wouldn't bet the mortgage on it.

[muguru]

The key tonight for MU, and the rest of the year is Brendan...if he's playing with confidence and knocking down shots, they are a completely different team. I've been edgy and "snippy" all week because of this one. It doesn't have a good "feel" to me, but let's hope I am 100% wrong and the boys get it done.

[Marcus92]

I think Nova wins by more than ten tonight. Hope I am wrong, but not optimistic.

Not without reason. Villanova has been very, very tough to beat at home. However...

• This is a far more beatable Wildcats team than the ones that won 5 out of the last 6 regular-season Big East titles and 2 national titles.

• By almost any metric, Marquette is on par with with Villanova right now. Both teams have the exact same record: 17-6 (7-4 in the Big East). MU and Nova are ranked #23 and #28 per KenPom, respectively.

• Nova has been struggling big time lately. They've lost 3 straight, including giving up 79 points to Butler -- tied for their highest offensive output in Big East play this season.

• Those 3 straight losses include two on their home floor.

• Villanova's offense isn't exactly firing on all cylinders, either. Their offensive efficiency is ranked 4th in the Big East per KenPom. Over the past 6 seasons, Villanova has either led the Big East (2014-15 through 2018-19) or finished second (2013-14) in this category.

• Marquette played well on the road against Villanova last season, leading 60-58 with under 4 minutes to go. Nova closed out the game with a 12-1 run to get the win.

• Nova is young. KenPom ranks them 329th in Division I for experience. MU is 51st. That could make a difference in high-pressure situations during a close game.

The odds are against us. But this is an incredible opportunity. I think we've got a good shot.

[Heisenberg]

• Marquette played well on the road against Villanova last season, leading 60-58 with under 4 minutes to go. Nova closed out the game with a 12-1 run to get the win.

As I noted above ... this was the moment last season was lost.  Howard went down and the team went 1 - 6 the rest of the way.

Strong letters then followed.

[barfolomew]

I'm pretty certain Marquette has never won at the pavilion.

I remember the pavilion... we had big fun there.

[rocket surgeon]

I think Nova wins by more than ten tonight. Hope I am wrong, but not optimistic.

nova coming off 3 losses in a row, at their place, it's gonna take an all out/flawless effort from ALL of our guys.  this will be a real gut tester for all of us

[JakeBarnes]

nova coming off 3 losses in a row, at their place, it's gonna take an all out/flawless effort from ALL of our guys.  this will be a real gut tester for all of us

Hopefully Nova feels the same. Given they haven't been playing well, hopefully Nova feels the pressure to play perfectly.