Villanova vs. UCLA: NCAA Tournament Second Round Breakdown

Steve Chott by Correspondent Written on March 21, 2009
PHILADELPHIA - MARCH 19:  Scottie Reynolds #1 of the Villanova Wildcats calls a play during the game against the American Eagles during the first round of the NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Tournament at the Wachovia Center on March 19, 2009 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Wildcats defeated the Eagles with a score of 80-67.   (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)

After surviving a scare in the first round, Villanova is back on one day's rest and ready to play UCLA in what is sure to be a good game. Neither of these teams had an easy first game though, as Villanova survived a scare from American and UCLA beat VCU by one.

The players:

 

Villanova F, Dante Cunningham

Cunningham was tied for the most points in the first round game vs. American with 25 points and seven rebounds. He was very good in a game that they really needed his leadership. He should have another big game on Saturday with 17-25 points and 8-10 rebounds.

UCLA F/C, Alfred Aboya

Aboya is UCLA's rebound man pulling in eight rebounds against VCU and averaging 6.2 RPG this season. A bad side of Aboya, though, is that he averages 2.2 fouls per game. We can see Aboya getting in foul trouble during this game.

Who would I take? Cunningham. His rebounding abilities are not as good as Aboya's, but he does have better scoring abilities. His leadership is also hard to find in some players.

 

Villanova F, Dwayne Anderson

Anderson has come and played great in Villanova's last few games. He was their leading scorer and re-bounder vs. American. But it makes you wonder if he can do it again vs. UCLA. I think he'll play a significant role in Saturday's game.

UCLA F, Nikola Dragovic

The name reminds me of Ivan Drago, the evil Russian boxer from Rocky 4. Is he a good boxer? I don't know, but he is basketball player. He went for 13 rebounds vs. VCU and could go for another 10 in this game.

Who would I take? Anderson. Once again, with Anderson, you get the scoring abilities with the rebounding abilities. Dragovic can rebound, but his scoring doesn't match up to Anderson.

 

Villanova G, Corey Fisher

Fisher came off the bench in the last game but got more time then Shane Clark, so I am including him. Fisher is a good scorer and leads the team in assists vs. American with four. He averages 10.9 PPG.

UCLA G, Jrue Holiday

This will be Holiday's second career Tournament game. He is a freshman who scored 13 points against VCU and has averaged 8.6 PPG this season. He also averages 3.8 RPG, which is third on his team behind Aboya and Dragovic.

Who would I take? It's a tough one, but I think I'll take Fisher. Fisher has a year of experience on Holiday and averages more points than him.

 

Villanova G, Reggie Redding

Redding got the start at guard last game and got the most minutes, tied with Dante Cunningham. He only had four points and four rebounds though, and hopefully, he can be more productive this game.

UCLA G/F Josh Shipp

Shipp is a real good player and probably could have a career in the NBA next year. He had 16 pts and eight rebounds against VCU and averages 14.4 PPG this year, which is good enough to tie him for most on his team.

Who would I take? Shipp, easily. Like I said, he has a chance at the NBA next year and is a really good player.

 

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written on March 21, 2009 Preview/Prediction

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