The “madness” has struck the Villanova Wildcats.
It doesn’t just start when the NCAA Tournament officially tips off. When the calendar turns to March, madness can strike at any time. It’s when Cinderella starts getting her glow and Goliath suddenly goes ice cold from beyond the arc.
During their penultimate season game against Creighton, the madness hit Villanova in the form of a serious knee injury to senior guard Collin Gillespie. The No. 10 Wildcats emerged with a 72-60 win, but Pennsylvania online sportsbooks quickly reacted to the injury news.
Championship Weekend provides plenty of college basketball betting action. And if you just can’t wait until the Big Dance, there are futures markets available.
Injury impacts Nova’s odds
Gillespie’s injury had an immediate impact on Villanova’s Championship and Final Four odds.
Nova’s NCAA Championship odds went from +1400 to +2000. Their chances to make the Final Four moved from +200 to +400 (at DraftKings). However, check the books because Villanova’s odds vary.
Nova’s Wednesday night win over Creighton gave them their seventh Big East regular season title in eight years. Coronavirus wreaked havoc on the Wildcats’ season. They played just 15 league games.
Even if Villanova (16-4, 11-3 Big East) loses its Saturday regular season finale at Providence, the Cats will still have a better winning percentage than Creighton. However, the teams could collide in the Big East title game.
Prior to Gillespie’s injury, the Wildcats were the favorite (+125) to win the Big East Tournament. Now, Creighton (+200) is the favorite and Villanova is +275.
As of Thursday morning, Villanova’s futures odds varied. It’s likely due to the uncertainty surrounding Gillespie. The only information currently available is the footage of the injury and head coach Jay Wright saying it’s “serious.”
Villanova NCAA Championship odds
Villanova odds to make Final Four
- DraftKings:+400
- FanDuel:+220
- BetRivers:+400
2021 College Basketball futures
Here are team futures markets listed at DraftKings. Betting on college basketball player markets is not permitted at PA online sportsbooks:
- College Basketball Championship Winner
- Conference Winner
- To make Final Four
- Gonzaga or Baylor vs. The Field to win
- Winning Conference
- Winning State
- To Get a #1 Seed
- To Make Tournament
- Over/under Tournament Seed
