VILLANOVA BLASTS DUKE IN SWEET 16

March 26, 2009


It is an all-Big East final in the East Regional with a ticket to the Final Four for either Pittsburgh or Villanova. The Wildcats earned their spot in the Elite 8 with a thorough beating of Duke, 77-54, at the TD Banknorth Garden in Boston.

After playing two games at 'home' in the Wachovia Center in Philadelphia, Jay Wright's club took their NCAA Tournament show on the road and buried the Blue Devils of the ACC with good ole Big East toughness and defense.

"I think kind of everything fell into place for us," said Villanova coach jay Wright following the game. "When we got a lead to start the second half, they had to press. And we made the plays."

After a defensive struggle in the first half, which saw 'Nova clinging to a 26-23 lead at the half, the Wildcats unleashed a fury on both ends of the court that quickly buried the Blue Devils, much to the delight of a well represented Wildcat crowd.

"You know, we like to call it Nova Nation, it's everywhere," Dante Cunningham said following the win. "It was great to hear everyone behind us yelling and screaming."

After Duke cut the lead to 26-25 after the break, The Wildcats went on a 23-8 run, capped to take a commanding 49-33 lead with 12:25 remaining.

The unrelenting Villanova defensive pressure limited Duke to 16-60 shooting in the game, 26.7%. Often, the Blue Devils had absolutely nothing created during a full 35-second possession and were left launching prayers just to get a shot off.

"We all knew we can score," said Scottie Reynolds, who had a game-high 16 points. "We knew we could put points on the board, but it's going to be those times where we're not going to be able to score and we have to do it on the defensive end. And I think everyone has taken pride on that and likes to come back on defense and try to get stops."

Villanova also had nine players score, all with at least four points, and in one 12-1 run that really stretched the lead and put the game away, six different Wildcats scored the 12 points.

"I think that's been the strength of our team, is really having 8 scorers," said coach Wright. "It is -- it's really fun coaching a team when you know one or two guys aren't hitting shots, you know you've got five others that can make shots and make plays. What we're starting to do now is all eight of those guys are playing consistently defensively. That's what's making us really good."

Next up for Villanova is a familiar foe, Pittsburgh. The two teams met once this season and Villanova got past the Panthers 67-57 in the closing of the Spectrum. Tune in Saturday to see if they can make it two in a row!

"We know that they're going to come out tough, we've played them before," said Cunningham, who had 14 points and 11 rebounds against Duke, of Pitt. "We won the first one, but we're not going to take them lightly."

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VILLANOVA, DUKE HIT ROAD TO MEET IN BOSTON

March 26, 2009


For Villanova, the opening two rounds of the 2009 NCAA Tournament were enjoyed from the comforts of home. The Wildcats defeated 14th seed American, 80-67, and 3rd-seeded UCLA, 89-69, at the Wachovia Center in Philadelphia.

In order to be eligible to play in the Wachovia Center in the NCAA Tournament, Villanova scheduled just three games in their 'second home' this season, but they were the home team on the floor 12 times in the previous two seasons, so it was definitely as much of a home court advantage as a team could have nowadays in the NCAA Tournament.

"What can I say? If you get to play and you don't have to travel, it's an advantage," said 'Nova coach Jay Wright yesterday. "But you can have your own place turn on you when you're going against the underdog and everybody gets behind the underdog, that's a little unsettling, too."

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For a brief time, Villanova might have faced a little bit of that as they found themselves trailing by 14 points early in the second half against American. However, their comeback was aided by the energy the hometown crowd brought and 26 trips to the free throw line in the second half.

"They definitely bring energy," senior Dwayne Anderson said of the home crowd. "It's great to have your fans in the background yelling and screaming and going crazy and everything. So that's something that we enjoy."

"Around the game there are advantages to being home," coach Wright added prior to their match-up with UCLA in the second round.

Now, the comfort zone of being in familiar surroundings is gone as the Wildcats meet Duke, who played their first two NCAA games in close proximity to their Durham campus in Greensboro (NC). The similarities of the two teams do not end there as they both play a similar style of game, one that has both sides respecting the other to the fullest.

"I think all of us, coaches and players, have watched Duke over the years, we have great respect for them," said Jay Wright. "We love how their team plays."

Duke has an idea of what to expect, because there are a lot of similarities between both teams.

"They have a lot of guys that can pressure the ball, they really can get a lot of steals because of their athleticism," Duke guard Jon Scheyer said of the matchup. "And the way they play, they're really aggressive."

Even that level of athleticism and aggressive play caught Ben Howland and UCLA off-guard, a team that prided itself in the same characteristics. Duke, however, believes they see that style often.

"We're used to that in practice and games," Scheyer said. "It's something both teams have faced."

Entering the game, UCLA had similar thoughts, but the aggressive nature and physical defense that Villanova likes to apply with guards Scottie Reynolds, Reggie Redding and Corey Fisher on the perimeter could be at a level the Blue Devils are not prepared for. Inside, Dante Cunningham will look to have a big game against the weakness of Duke, which is their interior.

Villanova, however, will have their hands full with the versatile skill of Kyle Singler and the athletic prowess of Gerald Henderson, who combines size and athleticism to attack the rim. Seniors Dwayne Anderson and Shane Clark will be tested defensively.

According to the latest March Madness betting odds, Duke is favored by 2 1/2 points. This game has all the makings of a classic, with two teams built quite similar on the perimeter and missing some interior depth. While Villanova will try to make the game a little more physical, both teams are likely to look to push the pace and look for quick scoring options.

The 'Nova talent is strong, but giving the edge to Kyle Singler and Gerald Henderson as possibly the best players on the court is not a stretch. Dante Cunningham should have a strong game inside and there is the expectation of Scottie Reynolds taking over a little more offensively.

Getting away from home and facing some adversity will be a big key for Villanova. It is quite likely that calls could go against them at times, which seems to be a consistent pattern when playing Duke, it might be a tough situation for the Wildcats to overcome.

I expect Villanova to fight to the end, but a possible early hole might be too tough to dig out of. If Villanova can stay up with Duke early and through the first half, they have a great chance, but I think playing from behind against Duke will be tough and be the downfall for Jay Wright's club.


NBE Blogger Prediction:

Duke 78
Villanova 73

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VILLANOVA NCAA TOURNAMENT NOTES

March 25, 2009


Complete with a Jay Wright photo sporting the short shorts of the day, the Philadelphia Daily News' Rich Hoffman writes that Villanova Coach Wright's Mettle Was Forged as a Senior at Bucknell where he came off the bench for coach Charlie Woollum.

The importance of Corey Fisher to the 'Nova basketball team has been documented often down the stretch this season. Fisher was awarded the conference's 6th-man Award at the awards banquet and Fisher's Body of Work has been Strong for Villanova (Courier-Post). A key to his rise in his sophomore campaign has been a new dedication to better eating habits and taking care of his body to play at the highest level of college basketball. The difference in his ability to defend has earned him more time, which allowed more offensive opportunities which has led to renewed confidence.

If I was Duke, watch out for Scottie Reynolds Thursday night. He could be ready to strike after a couple not-so-Reynolds-like offensive performances in the opening rounds. With a deeper pool of offensive talent supporting the junior, No Scoring is No Problem for 'Nova's Reynolds (Evening Bulletin) as he is doing what is needed for his team to win and advance. Be rest assured, when the need arises, he will be ready!

Here is a nice Philly Daily News story on sophomore Corey Stokes: Hoops Has Taken Stokes from Nerf to 'Nova.

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VILLANOVA REACHES SWEET 16 AGAIN

March 21, 2009

In the day's first game in he Wachovia Center, Villanova took on 6th-seed UCLA, who had a streak of three consecutive NCAA Final Fours on the line.


The Wildcats made sure there would not be a fourth consecutive trip as they waxed the Bruins 89-69 to advance to the Sweet 16 for the 2nd consecutive season and fourth time in the last five years.

"I just think our guys really just were aggressive for 40 minutes," Villanova coach jay wright said of his team's performance on Saturday. "Our defense, for us that was good defense. That was really good defense. And we played it for 40 minutes."

Villanova used a balanced attack, placing six players in double figures, led by senior Dante Cunningham's double-double with 18 points and 10 rebounds. Dwayne Anderson also posted a double-double with 10 points and 11 rebounds as the Wildcats out-rebounded Ben Howland's club 41-28 in the game.

"I think our defense and our offensive rebounding probably was the difference," said Wright.

Also in double figures for 'Nova was Reggie Redding and Corey Fisher with 13, Corey Stokes with 12 and Scottie Reynolds added 11.

By forcing 18 turnovers and dominating the boards, Villanova gave themselves 20 more shot opportunities, which translated into the difference in the game.

"I thought that Villanova played great today and really handled us," said UCLA coach Ben Howland. "They out boarded us. We had too many turnovers."

Next up for Villanova is a trip to Boston where they will meet Duke in the East Regional semifinals. The Blue Devils escaped a tussle in Greensboro Saturday night against Texas.

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VILLANOVA RIGHT AT HOME IN NCAA TOURNAMENT

March 19, 2009


Villanova makes their fifth straight NCAA Tournament appearance, a streak that only trails the eight in a row by Pittsburgh in the Big East, on Thursday night when they take on 14th-seeded American. A 13-5 Big East record and 26-7 overall mark earned Jay Wright's squad a third seed in this year's tournament and the honor of playing in the city of Philadelphia at the Wachovia Center, which doubles as a home court for the Wildcats.

The Wildcats are a veteran squad, led by seniors Dante Cunningham, Dwayne Anderson, Shane Clark and Frank Tchuisi, who are looking to finish their college careers on ann ultimate high.

"We're very grateful to be in this position four years in a row," Anderson said of appearing in the Big Dance each year he has been at 'Nova. "We know what it takes."

Classmate Dante Cunningham agreed and takes pride in the legacy his class is leaving on the program. The Wildcats leading scorer and rebounder, averaging 16 points and 7.2 rebounds on the season, told reporters this week that "We definitely understand what it takes to get here. Our seniors, previous years, taught us well. Hopefully we're teaching our younger guys, you know, how to continue this tradition that we've set."

The tradition includes a trip to the Elite 8 in their freshman season, on a team led by Randy Foye, Kyle Lowry, Allan Ray, etc. and a surprising run to the Sweet 16 last year. Will this season yield even better results?

"Last year we were the No. 12 seed," said Anderson. "We had the underdog mindset. So we're going to have the same mindset for this year."

The journey begins Thursday at home, or very close to it, the Wachovia Center, against American, the champions of the Patriot League. Riding a 13-game winning streak and winners of 19 of their last 20, American is not just happy to be 'dancing' this season. They feature four senior starters that were also starters on last year's NCAA team that played Tennessee relatively tough in the opening round before falling 72-57. Leading scorer Garrison Carr, who is averaging nearly 18 points a game this season, scored 26 in last year's loss to the Vols.

"I think it's pretty much true," senior forward Brian Gilmore said of last year's initial experience of the NCAA Tournament. "There were some of our teammates who were just kind of caught by that big atmosphere that we hadn't been in."

Gilmore, who averages 12.4 points and a team high 5.4 rebounds, believes this year's team is better equipped to handle the bright lights of March.

"This time around I think we're prepared for that [atmosphere]," said Gilmore. "We know this is another big stage. Obviously it's our last go round as seniors. We
can't afford to be taken aback and on our heels like we were last year."

American has played some big conference foes this year, but with little success. Jeff Jones' Eagles have lost by an average of 23 points to Oklahoma, Georgetown and Maryland, all played on the road. Villanova is right there with any of those foes, and like those games, this will also be played in enemy territory.

What might be even tougher to handle for American is the challenge posed by the 'Nova guard crew, one that a Patriot League team is not going to get to see very often.

"I think it's going to be a challenge for both
Garrison and I," said senior point guard Derrick Mercer, who played his high school ball for the legendary Bob Hurley at St. Anthony's High School in Jersey City (NJ). "We usually don't go in and play against players with that type of caliber, like Corey Fisher and Scottie Reynolds."

It has been since December 22nd, a 67-51 loss at Maryland, since American has faced a quality opponent. Although they have experience with an excellent group of seniors with a team that has been in the NCAA Tournament before, they face a Villanova squad that has been battle tested night in and night out in the Big East. The college basketball odds show Villanova as a 16 1/2-point favorite to end the Eagles' season and squash their dream of a first round upset. While the American strength is in their backcourt, a need for March success, the 'Nova backcourt will be up to the challenge and Dante Cunningham should be too strong underneath.

It is fully expected that "nova cruises past American on Thursday night to set up a highly anticapted second round match-up between the winner of the 6/11 game between UCLA and VCU.


NBE Blogger Prediction:

Villanova 82
American 59

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VILLANOVA BACKCOURT COMES TOGETHER FOR NCAA RUN

March 18, 2009


Reggie Redding came to Villanova with the reputation of a player known to put the ball in the basket at high levels. Afterall, no No St. Joseph's Prep player had ever scored more points than his 1,568. With the Wildcats, however, other players can score the ball as well, but the 6-foot-5 junior guard Redding Accepts His Role for Villanova (Philadelphia Daily News), even if it is one that has stunned Speedy Morris, his former high school coach. Redding has become a defensive stopper for Jay Wright's squad, something Morris did not see coming from his former star, who was not much of a defender back at St. Joseph's Prep.

With Scottie Reynolds and Corety Fisher adding the perimeter firepower, Redding chips in offensively when the opportunity arises. In fact, Villanova is Enjoying Fisher's Growth Spurt Heading into NCAA Tournament (Philly Daily News) as the sophomore guard's adapting to his role at Reynolds' side has fine tuned the 'Nova backcourt with each player finding the niche that has led to the highly successful run through the later half of their Big East schedule.

The evolution of his backcourt mates has allowed Reynolds to grow his game as well. As a freshman, he was a great scorer that sometimes would get too caught up in the challenge of outscoring the opposing guard that he could be out of control. Now, even though his numbers have dipped in the offensive production categories, Reynolds' complete Game Transcends Numbers (Philly Inquirer) and 'Nova is a better team for it!

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VILLANOVA LOOKS TO EARN BE FINAL BERTH

March 13, 2009


After seeing conference co-favorites fall last night, Louisville is left standing in Friday's semifinal round of the 2009 Big East Tournament after getting past Providence, 73-55, in Thursday afternoon quarterfinal action. The Cards' defense was strong again, forcing 26 Friar turnovers and converting points inside with Earl Clark and Samardo Samuels leading the way.

Villanova looked like they were cruising into the semifinal match-up with the Cards by taking a 16-point halftime lead over Marquette. However, there was no easy way into the semi's as Marquette stormed back and took a late lead on the Wildcats. Villanova beat the buzzer with a Dwayne Anderson lay-up and broke the hearts of the Golden Eagles.

Here are some pregame stories and previews on tonight's match-up:

It's Villanova at the Buzzer (Philadelphia Inquirer)
After Surviving, Villanova Gets Louisville (Hartford Courant)
Cardinals Ward off Curse of the Garden (Louisville Courier-Journal)

Villanova and Louisville met once in the regular season with the Cards surviving a one-point win as the Wildcats missed several point-blank opportunities in the closing seconds to win. It is expected that tonight's clash could come down to a similar nail-biting finish.

Louisville's strength this season is forcing turnovers with their constant pressure. The wildcats might be one of the few teams they can rattle with the press as Villanova has an experienced guard corps that represent their strength of the team.

Junior Scottie Reynolds and sophomore Corey Fisher make an exciting backcourt pair that can play both ends of the court. Junior Reggie Redding is a defensive specialist that is quickly becoming one of the best 'glue' guys in the NCAA with his timely scoring and terrific passing. His dribble-drive and dish to senior Dwayne Anderson was the game winner on Thursday afternoon. Anderson, like on Thursday, is always in the right place at the right time and his classmates Shane Clark and Dante Cunningham, the league's most improved player, should hold their own against the Cards front line.

With guard play so key in the postseason, Villanova has the pieces to make things VERY interesting.

Louisville will rely on their tremendous front line trio of Terrence Williams, Earl Clark and Samardo Samuels, all of whom could be 1st round NBA draft picks as early as this June. Williams and Clark are versatile stars that create tough match-ups on both ends of the court.

Where Louisville will need a strong performance is from their backcourt. Villanova will apply their own type of pressure, extending their defense in the halfcourt out into the perimeter to try and make passing into the post difficult in an order to negate the UL size advantage.

This game should be another tight one down to the wire. Going out on the limb, with Villanova a 4 1/2-point underdog according to the early college basketball odds, it could be another Big East upset.


NBE Blogger Prediction:

Villanova 68
Louisville 66

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VILLANOVA LOOKS TO PREVAIL OVER JAME-LESS MARQUETTE

March 12, 2009


Marquette got a temporary tonic for what ails the Golden Eagles in their opening game of the 2009 Big East Tournament against a totally inept St. John's. Marquette led the Redstorm 38-10 at the half and cruised home to a 74-45 victory at Madison Square garden.

This was the first win for the Golden Eagles since losing Dominic James to a broken foot for the season. Losses to UConn, Louisville, Pitt and Syracuse followed after James went down, but this had to feel good for Marquette. The good feelings may not last long as Villanova is next up.

MU and the Wildcats split their two meetings this past season, each winning on their own floors. However, Villanova won the last meeting, 102-84, a month ago with a healthy Dominic James.

Here are some pregame stories and previews on the contest:

Dwayne Anderson is Villanova's Motor (Philadelphia Daily News)
Parents Showed Cunningham How to Lead (Philadelphia Inquirer)
Villanova to Meet Marquette in Big East Quarterfinal (Philly Daily News)
Battered Marquette Believes it's on Right Course After Slaughterning St. John's (Chicago Tribune)
Smother Lode: Defense Ignites Rout (Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel)

Villanova earned a double-bye into the Big East quarterfinals, thanks to in large part to the Marquette free fall following the James injury. While the schedule toughened significantly, and even a healthy James might not have helped, the concern heading into the 2009 NCAA Tournament is how will Marquette fare against a NCAA Tournament caliber team? Well, we will have an answer this afternoon.

Both teams are extremely strong on the perimeter both offensively and defensively. marquette reminded onlookers of their perimeter strength as the Johnnies were Throttled on their Home Floor by the swarming Golden Eagles. Wesley Mathews and Jerel McNeal anre still all-league players and lazar Hayward has learned to mix in his outside strengths with a developing post game that is a tough match-up for any forward in the league.

Villanova looks to match MU with Scottie Reynolds and Corey Fisher in the backcourt and Dante Cunningham in the paint. Where the Wildcats have a significant edge is in their depth. They can mix and match players like Shane Clark, Antonio Pena, Reggie Redding, Corey Stokes and Dwayne Anderson into the line-up and expect production from each one. Unfortunately for Marquette, they do not have that luxury as they depend almost solely on the aforementioned trio for their production. Playing two games in two days will likely take its toll and Villanova simply has more answers when they need them because of the depth.

Today's NCAA Basketball Odds list the Wildcats as a 2 1/2-point favorite in this afternoon's contest. Look for Villanova to assume control after the half a post a solid win.

NBE Blogger Prediction:

Villanova 79
Marquette 70

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VILLANOVA CLAIMS BIG EAST FOURTH SPOT WITH SENIOR NIGHT ROMP OVER PC

March 6, 2009


The was plenty at stake last night at the Pavilion on the Villanova campus when the Wildcats hosted Providence in the Big East regular season finale for both clubs. A win for 'Nova would clinch a cherished top-four finish in the Big East standings. For the Friars, a win would go a long way in putting them on the right side of the NCAA Tournament bubble.

With the emotion and energy of their fans honoring seniors Dwayne Anderson, Shane Clark, Dante Cunningham and Frank Tchuisi, all playing their final home game, Villanova Cruises to Win and Byes (Philadelphia Inquirer) in rounds one and two of the Big East Tournament by locking up fourth place in the conference with a 97-80 win over PC.

Junior Scottie Reynolds led the Wildcats with 23 points and Cunningham and Anderson made their final appearance in the Pavillion, where Villanova has won 28 straight, memorable by scoring 19 points a piece as Villanova Earns Byes and Nearly a Week Off With Win over Providence (Philly Daily News). 'Nova's next action will come Thursday in the 2009 Big East Tournament with a 2 PM game at Madison Square Garden.

Sophomores Corey Fisher (13 points) and Corey Stokes (11 points) also reached double figures and junior Reggie Redding led the unselfish Wildcats with 11 assists and zero turnovers. As a team, Jay Wright's squad had an impressive 26:7 assist to turnover ratio in the contest with assists on 74% of their made field goals.

By contrast, Providence turned the ball over 22 times and helped lead to VU getting 17 more field goal attempts in the game as the Friars Miss Chance Make their Case for an NCAA Bid (Providence Journal) and will likely have work to do in next week's Big East Tournament to keep from falling off the bubble and into the NIT.

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BIG EAST GAME PREVIEW: PROVIDENCE @ VILLANOVA

March 5, 2009


The stakes are always high in college basketball in March. The regular season finales in the Big East begin tonight and there is a lot riding on the match-up in Philadelphia between Villanova and Providence.

The Wildcats enter the contest with a 12-5 Big East record and 24-6 overall mark. While selection Sunday will not be a sweat for 'Nova, a win tonight in the regular season finale would clinch a top four finish in the Big East, meaning a double bye in the 2009 Big East Tournament which begins next week in Madison Square Garden.

The stakes for Providence are much higer. With a 10-7 Big East conference record, PC has put themselves in good position to be invited to the Big Dance. However, their overall mark of 18-11 keeps them squarely on the bubble and very vulnerable to falling on the wrong side. A road win over the Wildcats, couples with resume building wins over Syracuse and Pitt at home should be plenty for the Friars to take their place in the Field of 65.

Here are some game previews and stories on tonight's game:

Villanova Needs Win Tonight Against Providence to Improve Big EastTournament Seeding (Philadelphia Daily News)
Capsule Preview: PC at Villanova (Providence Journal)
PC Can Help Itself Off NCAA Tournament Bubble with Win at Villanova (Providence Journal)

The Friars and Wildcats met in Rhode Island back on February 4th and 'Nova held off a furious late came rally by PC to hold on for a 94-91 win. Scottie Reynolds led Jay Wright's squad with 31 points in that contest.

Villanova led 49-34 at the half and built there lead to as much as 20 points in the earlier meeting before a slwe of three's and driving buckets by Sharaud Curry and Wyinmi Efejuku ignited the comeback. A three by Efejuku with four seconds remaining closed the gap to 92-91, but it was too little too late.

According to the latest college basketball lines, Villanova is a 10 1/2-point favorite tonight in a game at their on-campus home, the Pavillion, where 'Nova has won 27-straight. Their home loss last weekend occurred at the Wachovia Center. The rebounded from the 56-54 setback against Georgetown to blow past Notre Dame on the road after halftime Monday night.

It is also senior night for the Wildcats and a chance for their fans to send-off leading scorer and rebounder Dante Cunningham as well as Dwayne Anderson, Shane Clark and Frank Tchiusi.

The keys for 'Nova will be their perimeter defense, something that is usually a great strength of their club, led by Corey Fisher, Reynolds and Reggie Redding. They will be matched up against Currey, Efejuku and Jeff Xaiver predominately on the PC side. Villanova is certainly aware they can put up points in a hurry, but so can they, especially on their comfy and cozy home floor.


NBE Blogger Prediction:

Villanova 88
Providence 75

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March 3, 2009


Notre Dame has been working at digging out of the hole that a seven-game losing streak had caused. There seemed to be some progress of rebuilding the season from the ruins of a failed top 10 team, but the Irish NCAA Hopes takes Another Hit (Post-Tribune), and this one could be fatal, as it appears the Irish are Likely Headed to the NIT After Bad Loss to 'Nova (South Bend Tribune) on the Joyce Center court Monday night.

Villanova and ND played to a 32-all first half tie as a mountain of Irish turnovers prevented ND from taking a lead at the break.

The second-half was a different story as No. 11 Villanova Pounds Notre Dame (Chicago Tribune), outscoring the Irish 45-28 in the second half on the way for a 77-60 win.

'Nova junior Scottie Reynolds scored 23 points and senior Dante Cunningham added 18 for the Wildcats who shot 45% from the field and committed just five turnovers in the entire game.

The Wildcats, coming off a weekend loss at home to Georgetown, earned their 12th conference win and keeps the pressure on the Big East 'top four' in the race for a double-bye for the 2009 Big East Tournament. The Wildcats will close the regular season with a home game against Providence later this week. Villanova Responds to Beat Notre Dame (Philadelphia Daily News) and looks to regain their momentum into the postseason.

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VILLANOVA LOOKS TO DASH IRISH NCAA HOPES

March 2, 2009



Barring a deep run in the 2009 Big East Tournament next weekend, this might be the last hurrah for Notre Dame and their NCAA Tournament chances. The Irish are 7-9 in the Big East, but they have won four of their last six games and finish with two at home this week, beginning with tonight's Big Monday match-up against Villanova. This past Saturday, the Irish lost a golden shot at improving their resume significantly when they fell just short in a 72-65 loss at UConn in a game that was much closer than the final score indicated.

The Wildcats are safely in the NCAA Tournament as Jay Wright's squad is 11-5 in the Big East and 23-6 overall. However, they look to get back on track after a Saturday afternoon home loss to Georgetown, which followed a two-point come-from-behind win on the road over lowly DePaul.

Here are some pregame stories and previews found on the web:

Notre Dame (16-12, 7-9) vs. Villanova (Gary Post-Tribune)
Villanova at Notre Dame (Chicago Tribune)
Notre Dame Faces Another Must-Win vs. Villanova (Chicago Tribune)
Anxious Irish to Tangle with 'cats (Journal Gazette)
ND in Must-Win Mode (South Bend Tribune)


This is it for the Irish. Backs are against the wall, we will see how they respond.

Following a seven-game losing streak where everyone left ND for dead, they responded to win four of five, including a rousing 90-57 win over Louisville to put an end to the losing streak. They nearly made it five of six, but went down at the wire against UConn in Storrs over the weekend.

A win at West Virginia or a win at Connecticut would have done wonders for the Irish resume, which currently is not good enough for the NCAA Tournament. A win on their home floor tonight against Villanova is another step in the right direction and they close the regular season at home on Friday against St. John's, so they still have a chance to reach .500 in Big East play at 9-9 with two more wins.

The Irish have reigning Big East Player of the Year in Luke Harangody inside to lead the way and he should be able to put up big numbers against the Wildcats. Villanova will hope to put pressure on Harangody with the improved offensive threat that is ante Cunningham, forcing harangody to play both ends of the court and hope the long season and lots of minutes can wear the 6-foot-8 big man down.

In their cozy confines of the Joyce Center, the Irish shooters led by seniors Kyle McAlarney and Ryan Ayers, tend to find the range much better than on the road. The tough perimeter defense of the Wildcats will look to lock down the perimeter, but if you give McAlarney a sliver of room he can make you pay. Opening up the game with some three's will open room inside for Harangody and Irish point guard Tory Jackson will be under a lot of pressure to manage the offense effecitvely and eficiently.

Villanova had been putting up points at a high rate, using a balanced attack led by Cunningham and junior Scottie Reynolds. Sophomore Corey Fisher has also been a more consistent source of offense and, along with Reggie Redding, a stout defender on the perimeter. What has made 'Nova so tough in their recent run of good play has been the offensive contributions from Shane Clark and Dwayne Anderson, a pair of seniors, as well as Corey Stokes, which seem to come at the right time when needed.

As always, a Jay Wright team will come out and play hard. They will be looking to shake off the cold shooting of Saturday, and the Irish defense is one that is more than likely to allow an opponent to get well offensively.

However, this is simply a must-win for the Irish and playing at home, you can expect them to be playing confident and with a sense of comfort at the Joyce Center. Look for some early three's and then Luke Harangody to take over in the paint. Once that happens, it will be tough for Villanova to overcome the energy that will take over the building.

NBE Blogger Prediction:

Notre Dame 83
Villanova 75

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