The loaded Big East got a little top heavier over the last couple of weeks when the Villanova Wildcats tore through the conference with wins over Pittsburgh, Cincinnati, Providence, and Syracuse. Tonight they have their sights set on the Marquette Golden Eagles. The game tips off at 7:30pm ET at The Pavilion in Villanova, Pennsylvania and will be televised live on ESPN2.
Marquette vs Villanova Free College Basketball Picks at BetUS.com have the Golden Eagles listed as a +4.5 against the spread road underdog. 
The Wildcats moved to 13th in the AP Poll this week on the strength of their recent conference run. The latest victory in their five game winning streak occurred Saturday night at the Wachovia Center in Philadelphia when they beat the Syracuse Orange 102-85.
Villanova's defense, despite giving up 85 points, was instrumental in the win. Syracuse hit just 24-of-63 field goal attempts for a lackluster 38 percent, and the Wildcats also limited the Orange's second chance opportunities by grabbing 29 defensive rebounds.
Offensively, senior forward Dante Cunningham led the way as he connected on 12-of-15 shots from the field and 7-of-12 from the charity stripe to finish with 31 points. Cunningham also reeled in 10 boards and handed out three assists. In addition to Cunningham's effort, Head Coach Jay Wright got 30 combined points from bench players Corey Fisher and Corey Stokes.
Thirteenth ranked Villanova is now fifth in the Big East standings with a 7-3 conference record and a 19-4 overall mark. The Wildcats are 11-1 at The Pavilion this season where they average 74.9 points per game and allow an average of just 57.4.
Marquette lost their grip on the Big East's top spot this week when they slipped up against 8-14 South Florida. The Bulls shocked the Golden Eagles last Friday, upsetting them 57-56 at the USF Sun Dome in Tampa, Florida. Despite 22 points from Jerel McNeal on 7-of-15 shooting, Marquette hit just 39 percent of their team field goal attempts and an even more pathetic 17 percent from three point range. The unexpected defeat snapped a 12 game win streak for the boys from Wisconsin and moved their conference record to 9-1.
Buzz Williams' squad, which beat the Wildcats 79-72 on January 4th at the Bradley Center, is now second in the conference standings at 20-3 overall, but Louisville, Pittsburgh, and Villanova are all close in their rearview mirror. However, the Golden Eagles will get more than a chance to prove their mettle; after tonight's contest, they have three games against Big East middlings before facing Connecticut, Louisville, Pittsburgh, and Syracuse to close out the season.
Twelfth ranked Marquette is 5-1 on the road this year after the South Florida loss. They average 73 points per game in opposing arenas and give up 69.3 in return.
BetUS.com's Marquette vs Villanova College Basketball Picks:
Marquette Golden Eagles +4.5 (-110)
Villanova Wildcats -4.5 (-110)
