Big East Tournament Preview: Villanova vs. DePaul

Big East commissioner Val Ackerman released the following statement: “The support of our fans has made the BIG EAST Tournament one of the most exciting events in college basketball, but the health and well-being of our game participants is of paramount importance. We are very grateful to Madison Square Garden for their understanding and cooperation as we jointly manage a very difficult situation.” 

As of 9:00am EST, when I’m writing this, there have been no reports of this game getting canceled. So, there’s no reason not to preview tonight’s Big East matchup. 

Past Results: 

Over the past decade, Villanova has completely dominated DePaul, having won 20 consecutive matchups. The Blue Demons haven’t taken down the Wildcats since January 3, 2008. 

Despite Villanova’s dominance, DePaul almost took down the Wildcats back on January 14th of this season. After an early deficit, DePaul slowly crept back and was able to send the game to OT. However, the Wildcats prevailed and won by a score of 79-75 despite Charlie Moore scoring 29 for the Blue Demons. 

Unlike their first matchup, the second game between the two was a complete blowout. Villanova jumped out to a quick lead and never looked back, winning by a final score of 91-71. Saddiq Bey led the way for the Wildcats in that game with a game-high of 20 points. 

Keys to victory for Villanova: 

Hitting Their 3s

This one is the case in most games for the Wildcats. Under Jay Wright’s system, the Wildcats shoot a ton of threes and take pride in crashing the offensive glass. While Villanova may be able to survive a bad shooting night against a lesser team in DePaul, that won’t be the case against better teams going forward. If Villanova connects on their long-range shots tonight, DePaul will have a difficult time winning this game. 

Slowing down Charlie Moore:

While Paul Reed is DePaul’s best player, Charlie Moore Jr. is in many ways their X-Factor due to his ability to create his own shots. During their first matchup against the Blue Demons, Villanova had a tough time stopping Moore, as he scored 29. However, during their second matchup, Moore was limited to eight points on 2/10 shooting. Being able to contain the DePaul point guard will play a major role in this game. 

Beating the press:

The press has been arguably Villanova’s most prominent weakness all season late in games. Against DePaul earlier in the season, a late-game turnover by Jeremiah Robinson-Earl forced by the Blue Demons’ press led to a game-tying bucket and overtime. On several occasions this season, the Wildcats have let teams back into games late due to their inability to beat the press. If this becomes a close game late, Villanova will have to do a better job at breaking the press.  

X-Factor for Villanova: Justin Moore

While Saddiq Bey has been Villanova’s most reliable scorer all season, freshman Justin Moore has turned a corner over the past two months as well after losing some playing time to Cole Swider earlier in the season. Since January 21, Moore is averaging 13.2 ppg and has been one of Villanova’s most consistent shooters. If he can perform well tonight, it will go a long way for the Wildcats.   

Projected Starting Lineups:

Villanova:

PG. Collin Gillespie

SG. Justin Moore

SF. Saddiq Bey

PF. Jermaine Samuels

C. Jeremiah Robinson-Earl 

DePaul:

PG. Charlie Moore

SG. Jalen Coleman-Lands

SF. Romeo Weems

PF. Paul Reed

C. Jaylen Butz

Final Score Prediction:

While DePaul is coming off a win, Villanova has looked sharp lately, winners of eight of their last nine games. This game will likely be close, but Villanovca simply has the talent advantage.

Final Score: Villanova 76, DePaul 68

Pantelis Xidias:

Ok, I could not in the right mind write this preview without giving a shoutout to Pantelis Xidias. For anyone who hasn’t heard of him, Xidias is far and away the best bench mob guy in all of college hoops. While it will take a 40 point Villanova win for him to get in, he is super entertaining to watch on the Blue Demon’s bench. Just check out some of these clips of him dancing: 

Follow me on Twitter @PodolskyDanny

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