Wednesday, November 17, 2010

#6 Wildcats Maul Marist in NIT Tip-Off First Round, 84-47, At Pavilion

To the Wildcat faithful-

The #6 Wildcats had no trouble getting past a hopelessly overmatched Marist Red Foxes squad, 84-47, at the Pavilion on Tuesday night.  No fewer than five Wildcats made it into double figures, by the final buzzer.  

Villanova was paced by its youthful backcourt of Maalik Wayns and Dominic Cheek.  Wayns finished with 17 points on 6-11 shooting, and seven rebounds, the latter being a remarkable number for a point guard.   Cheek came off the bench to add 15 points on 6-10 shooting, great numbers for a player who logged only 22 minutes.

Villanova held a 36-24 advantage at intermission, as Marist had stayed within reasonable striking distance, but the Wildcats really pulled away in the second half, scoring 48 additional points en route to a 39-point blowout victory.  The entire team played fine defense, as Marist mustered only 47 points - in other words, Villanova's 48 second-half points alone, would have been enough for a 48-47 victory.   (This undoubtedly would have made for a far more exciting contest, though, if the Wildcats had trailed 47-0 at halftime and rallied to win.)

The Wildcats made it 2-0 on the young season, and although this was not a surprising outcome, the final numbers look like what they should for a Top 10 team at home against a low-major opponent.  So while we can't read too much into it, there's reason for optimism.

Next Up for the Wildcats
There is only a brief respite, before facing the Boston University Terriers in the next round of the preseason NIT at the Pavilion, at 8:00 PM this evening.   Unfortunately, the game won't be televised...

Go Wildcats!

Reactions?  Comments?  Just leave one in the box below... All comments will be answered...

Saturday, November 13, 2010

#6 Wildcats Top Wright's Alma Mater, Bucknell, In Season Opener

To the Wildcat faithful-

The #6 Wildcats - ranked in the top 10 to start the season - launched the 2010-11 season with a victory over Bucknell, 68-52, at the Pavilion.  The Bison of Bucknell - one of my favorite nicknames in all of college basketball - put up a gallant effort against Jay Wright's powerhouse squad, but there was no upset to be had.

Rarely has a season opened in such warm weather in Philadelphia, either.  This season opener was earlier than normal, and with unseasonably balmy temperatures around here, it doesn't really feel quite like time for basketball yet, even Villanova basketball with a preseason ranking in the Top 10.
Bucknell is chiefly notable as the alma mater of Jay Wright.  Wright played four seasons at Bucknell, graduating in 1982.  As Wright once put it, "I grew up a Villanova fan.  And I wanted to play for Villanova and Rollie Massimino.  But I wasn't good enough!  So I played at Bucknell."  Little did he know, back then, of course, that he'd be at the helm of his favorite team for a decade...

Next Up For the Wildcats

Villanova will now participate in the 2010 NIT Season Tip-Off, the more elaborate name for what was once simply known as the Pre-season NIT.  Their first battle is against the Marist Red Foxes, on Tuesday, November 16 at the Pavilion.

Go Wildcats!

Comments?  Questions?  Just Leave Them in the Box Below - All Will Be Answered...