MasterCapper's Friday w/ trend to watch!

[MasterCapper]

West Virginia (-3.5) over Villanova.

Lots of reasons to play the Mountaineers in this spot, but let's go with the obvious. Bob Huggins is 18-1 lifetime ATS off a double digit defeat in his career. The only time Huggins has lost ATS in this spot was earlier this season, against Marshall, when West Virginia won by just 11 and failed to cover the 14-point spread. Even that game was played on a neutral floor. Gotta think the Mountaineers, 5-6 in the Big East and desperate for a win, will want this one more.

Need some reasons to fade Villanova? Let's start with the obvious: they've won six straight -- the last two by double digits -- and are due for a loss. Sure, the streak has been impressive, but what have they done away from home besides squeak by Providence, 94-91, and beat a bad South Florida team? Four of their six wins during the streak came at the Wachovia Center. Also, keep in mind that this game won't affect Nova's standing in the Big East. They are two games clear of Cincinnati, so a loss won't kill them.

West Virginia, though, can pull even with Syracuse at No. 8 in the Big East with a win, and will likely keep their fading NCAA Tournament hopes alive. With the new Big East tournament formatting, there's a huge difference between being the eight seed and a nine seed.

Parting shot: West Virginia is on four days rest. Villanova, off a win in an uptempo game against Marquette, just played on Tuesday. Also, don't take Nova.

[MasterCapper]

Let's go Huggy Bear ... finish this!

[mickey]

nice call.