Sweet 16 - Villanova vs West Virginia

[ArmyVet]

I don't love this matchup for the Cats, but I think they end up winning a close one.

[DudeAnon]

Agreed on not liking this matchup. I haven't watched WVU but my understanding is they emphasize a full-court press and very tough man defense. I never like to go against teams that specialize in defense (Cuse etc.) But Nova is a very well disciplined team, heres to hoping it doesn't rattle them.

[Jet915]

Might come down to how much the refs allow unfortunately....

[stever20]

I think Nova really catches a break in that the game on Sunday should they win won't be as tough as this one will be. If their regional final opponent been someone else like other 2/3 seeds Duke, Michigan- you'd really worry about that 2nd game. But Texas Tech/Purdue? not quite the same level of worry IMO.

[Bill Marsh]

Fun Stat of the Day/NCAA Leaders:

Most Turnovers Forced - #10 @ 16.5 TO/G = West Virginia
Fewest TO Committed - #12 @ 10.4 TO/G = Villanova

Irresistible Force, meet Immovable Object

The problem for West Virginia is that Villanova isn’t a one-dimensional offense like Virginia that minimizes TO by slowing down the pace of the game. They are the highest scoring offense in the country and still have a very low rate of TO. They are among the national leaders in a whole bunch of categories. Here are a few:

#1 - Scoring
#3 - FG%
#12 - 3-point FG%
#14 - Assists
#17 - FT%

West Virginia isn’t limited to being just a pressing team either. Despite extending their defense to pressure the ball, amazingly they’re also 4th in the country in offensive rebounding. (It would be a surprise if a Bobby Huggins coached team didn’t hit the boards.) All those TO mean easy baskets and the rebounds convert to a lot of 2nd chance buckets. Villanova should have their hands full.

Should be a good game.

[cu blujs]

If Nova takes care of the ball and hits anywhere near their average shooting-wise, they will handle WVA.

[stever20]

1 thing that is bad for Nova. Charles Barkley gave them his kiss of death- winning tonight in his redo bracket.

[GumbyDamnit!]

The matchup is fine. WVU scores off turnovers and struggles to shoot in he half court. Nova has a slew of ball handlers who are composed. WVU in the 200’s vs 3 pt shooting. That’s not a good # going up against a team that shoots the 3 as much as Nova. When Nova breaks the press they drive and find shooters to kick out to. If they hit over 35% they win. If they hit below 30% they prob lose. Between the two, a toss up of sorts. Go Nova, go BE.

[gtmoBlue]

Go Nova.

[sju88grad]

GO NOVA!!!!!!