After starting the year off with a 10-1 record, Villanova has struggled tremendously with inconsistency.
The Wildcats endured a five-game losing streak midway through the season and almost saw their tournament hopes washed away by losing six of seven games. But with a strong finish to the season and a few prominent wins like the ones over Pittsburgh, Syracuse, and West Virginia, Villanova now find themselves as a No. 12 seed in the Midwest.
Their first round opponent, the Clemson Tigers, will by no means make it easy for Villanova. But if the Wildcats can establish their strong inside game and unyielding defense from the get-go, then an upset could very well be on the cards.
One of the Wildcats' greatest strengths is forcing their opponent into mistakes by playing tight, aggressive defense. Their guards are especially good at pressuring the ball and usually rack up lofty amounts of steals per game.
On the other end of the court, the Wildcats will rely on the inside game. With only sophomore Scottie Reynolds capable of nailing the three on a consistent basis, Villanova’s big boys underneath will need to step up and supply some points of their own in the paint.
If Villanova’s forwards step up and Reynolds continues hitting shots, the Wildcats could be this year’s Cinderella team.
Scottie Reynolds was last season’s Big East Rookie of the Year and this season he was even more impressive. When his shots are falling few teams can cope with him.
Just ask Syracuse. He led the Wildcats to a blowout over Syracuse in the Big East Tournament, and his teammates will be hoping he can continue stepping up the challenge, starting with the Clemson Tigers.
Few are expecting the Wildcats to make much noise in this year’s tournament, but after a solid finish to the season, Villanova is more than capable of causing some upsets along the way.
Consider yourselves warned.
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