Joe D'Amico's NCAAB 100 Star Game of the Year

Cincinnati vs. Villanova, 03/03/2012 14:00 EDT, Score: 72 - 68

Point Spread: -1½/-110 Cincinnati

Sportsbook: BookMaker

Result: Win

Today's winner is Cincinnati over Villanova. This is my 100 Star Game of the Year.

Cincinnati already earned at least one bye in next week's Big East Tourney. A victory here and some help can give the Bearcats a double bye. This is a squad that recently took down both Louisville and Marquette, not to mention victories at Pitt, G'Town, U Conn, and St. John's. They have won 4 of their L5 both SU and ATS. Cincy possesses a swarming "D" that allows just 60.8 PPG and forces a ton of TOs. As a unit, the Bearcats have also amassed 133 blocked shots. On offense, they lead the league, making 7.4 three-pointers a game. They have five players either averaging or flirting with DDs, led by Sean Kilpatrick (14.4 PPG). Villanova is a down and out team. The Wildcats are 12-17 SU, 7-18-1 ATS, and 5-12 in Conference play. This is an immature unit that is prone to turning the ball over. Top-scorer, Maalik Wayns had of Villanova's points in the January 14th matchup vs. Cincy. The Guard recently missed three games with an MCL injury and still isn't 100%. This is a team that shoots a mere 31% from beyond the arc. With their best player hampered, lack of size and strength down low, and no outside game to speak of, they just can't compete here. The Wildcats are 6-19-1 ATS their L26 games played vs. the Big East, 7-18-1 ATS their L26 games played at home, and 16-36-1 ATS their L53 games played overall. The Bearcats are 4-1 ATS their L5 games played vs. the Big East, 7-2 ATS their L9 games played on the road, and 4-1 ATS their L5 games played overall. Take Cincinnati. Thank you.