VILLANOVA FALLS IN JIMMY V TEST

By Ray Floriani



NEW YORK CITY – A final look back at the Jimmy V Classic.

Score:

Texas 67
Villanova 58


For Villanova this was their first major test of the year. Actually, they faced Rhode Island in the Hoop Group Classic but didn’t get the challenge they expected. Texas provided the measurement . It would be harsh to say the Wildcats failed. Let’s say it was a learning experience.

For one, you can’t go 16 of 25 from the line against a marquee opponent and entertain thoughts of getting a victory as that percentage will lesser your NCAA basketball odds night in and night out.

Another factor was taking care, or not in this case, of the ball. Jay Wright’s club was guilty of 19 turnovers. Again, a problem facing opposition with this pedigree.
On a positive note was the play of Dante Cunningham. Texas posed a huge problem with three 6-10 players in the rotation. The Texas ‘bigs’ are collectively not the greatest skilled but they can bang and wear you down. Cunningham had another nice performance, battling inside and putting up a team high 23 points 12 boards. Dwayne Anderson added 9 boards in relief. The 6-6 senior swingman will have to step up and help inside on a regular basis once Big East play unfolds with a succession of physical challenges.

A.J. Abrams of Texas had a game high 26 points and registered a number of them in the stretch with the game in the balance. Abrams stepped up and hit a succession of big shots, usually on the perimeter, in the stretch. Nova trailed by four points midway through the second half. On several consecutive trips they simply could not get the contest to a one possession game. Thanks largely to Abrams’ clutch shooting.

The game boiled down to defense. Villanova was not able to dig in and get those key stops in the stretch. Chalk it up to game toughness which is something Wright admitted his team needed a little more of. Texas defended well all night long and got those stops.


The Tempo Free breakdown:

...........Score.........Possessions...........Efficiency

Texas........67..............68....................99
Villanova....58..............70....................83

* The Texas defense never rests