BIG EAST GAME PREVIEW: Rutgers vs Villanova

March 9, 2006


There was probably nothing Rutgers wanted to do more yesterday than to put some serious doubt into the chances of an NCAA bid of their in-state rival Seton Hall. The Scarlet Knights did just that, holding the Pirates to 25% shooting and winning 61-48 in a Big East Tournament 1st round game. Their prize? A date tonight with the #2 ranked team in the country, Villanova.

Here are some pregame stories and previews from the internet:

Is This The Year? (Phillyburbs)
Clark Could be 'Nova's X-Factor (Philly Daily News)
Villanova Up Next for Rutgers (Philly Inquirer)


To read our preview and see our game prediction, click read more below and don't forget to leave your prediction in the comments section!

READ OUR PREVIEW...CLICK "Read More" BELOW


Rutgers rallies around coach Gary Waters and won their third straight game with a 61-48 win over Seton Hall, setting the table for a re-match with #2 ranked Villanova Thursday night. Earlier this season, Villanova rallied behind Kyle Lowry to win at Rutgers, 84-78, in overtime. Lowry led the Wildcats with 28 pts and Randy Roye, the Big East Player of the Year, scored 24 pts in the win. In that match-up, Quincy Douby led the Scarlet Knights with 28 pts.

Villanova will once again unleash their 4-guard attack on the Scarlet Knights, led by Foye, Lowry, Allan Ray and Mike Nardi. Will Sheridan will get most of the minutes inside with Jason Fraser backing him up and Dante Cunningham and Shane Clark will also rotate in when the Wildcats move to a 3-guard look at times.

Rutgers will start Anthony Farmer, Douby and Marquis Webb with Ollie Bailey and Byron Joynes up front with Jimmie Inglis and Jaron Griffin getting most of the bench minutes. As with any match-up with Villanova, handling their ball pressure and stopping their dribble penetration is the key. Neither team will look to the post to score much, so it comes down to the backcourt of each team. Quincy Douby has proven this year he is one of the best guards in the conference, but Villanova has at least three of the best and a 4th that is not too shabby either.

Hopefully, Rutgers is just not happy to win one in the Garden. Last year they popped the Notre Dame bubble only to be run out of the building by Syracuse. Tonigh, a similar thing could happen, because it is doubtful that Villanova scored just 48 pts and shoots 25%.

NBE Blogger Prediction:

Villanova 76 Rutgers 61