Villanova welcomes WVU to campus
posted by NovaFan092/19/2008 08:38:00 PM
vs.
Villanova Wildcats (15-9, 5-7 BE) vs.
West Virginia Mountaineers (18-7, 7-5 BE)
Date: Wednesday, February 20, 2008
Location: The Pavilion (Villanova, PA)
Time: 8:00 p.m. EST
Television: WPHL (Philadelphia), SNY (New York)
Official 'Nova coverage: Game notes (PDF)
West Virginia coverage: Big East BBall Report
Villanova, riding a wave of recent momentum, looks to make it two victories in a row at the hands of West Virginia at the Pavilion Wednesday night. The 'Cats are undefeated on the season in the Pavilion.
Bob Huggins, in his first year as head coach at WVU, replaces John Belein, who fled to Michigan in the offseason. Under Huggins, the Mountaineers are allowing 61 points per game while averaging 76 points per game.
Huggins, a master recruiter who will no doubt steal many high schoolers from the rest of the Big East in the near future, runs a motion offense at West Virginia. The result is a dynamic and diverse offense with four players averaging double digits in scoring. Alex Ruoff (14.2 ppg, 42.9 from the three) and Joe Alexander (14.3 ppg, 6.0 rpg) lead the Mountaineers. Da'Sean Butler, a Newark native and strong swingman, provides the Mountaineers with versatility at both ends of the court. WV is a veteran-laden team with a well respected coach. The 'eers should give Villanova a tough challenge Wednesday.
If 'Nova can maintain its defensive efforts yet again, the Wildcats will compete and win this game. WVU is not spectacular defensively, and its offense won't win any awards, but the Mountaineers are not a team to be taken lightly.
Keys to the gameRebound: The Wildcats are 11-3 when outrebounding the opposition. Recently, Dwayne Anderson's positive presence on the court has combined with his knack for rebounding. Along with Cunningham, Pena, and Drummond, the 'Cats should be able to keep WVU off the glass.
Stay alert: 'Nova must not become flustered against the motion sets employed by Huggins. In West Virginia's last game, its relentless ball movement and passing frustrated Seton Hall, making the Pirates look very uncomfortable on the defensive end. The 'Cats must not over-help, because WVU can kill with the extra pass.
Protect the house: An 8 p.m. start should give the students plenty of time to prepare for this game. Bring the noise and let West Virginia know this is our house.
X-factorDwayne Anderson: DA seems to have brought the intensity 'Nova had sorely been lacking all season by playing tremendous defense, getting to the glass, and impressing the coaches with his all-around hustle. Right now, Dwayne is a complete upgrade over Shane, despite the height differences. If Dwayne posts numbers remotely close to his last two games, 'Nova should come out victorious.
You may predict the final score in the comments section below, or offer any other insights as to Wednesday's contest.
Labels: 2007-2008, Big East, predictions, preview, West Virginia
9 Comments:
It seems strange to say Villanova has momentum after only one win following a string of losses, but there's no doubt that it's there. The team is undoubtedly playing a lot better, Grant isn't going to transfer, and the guys look to be offering a lot more intensity. Nova should be able to win tonight if they keep it up.
Villanova 73
West Virginia 66
cat's have turned a small corner and momentum keeps going, despite a tough wvu team...
cats - 71
nogglers - 63
I really feel good about the past couple games. Despite the questionable foul at the end of the Gtown game, 'Nova has really stepped up their defense, and if they can continue that streak, coupled with continued output from Anderson and Stokes, I think they can overcome WVU at home.
'Nova 81
WVU 73
Villanova 66
WVA 59
Villanova is doing a lot better. The georgetown game was a challenge for jay wright and he took that challenge, unforutunaltey we lost but one good thing came out. we realized we can play with big time schools of georgetown. St johns was a confidence boost and we should be able with the crowd in the game we should be victorious big time.
Villanova 75
WVU- 69
Lets go cats
The people in the house need to let the guys know we appreciate making the other team run their shot clock out just at much as a "3 ball" from half court.... Go Cats.
nova 67
wva 60
Rumor has it that Jay had the set crew of the drama club create a big image of a barn... they wheeled it into the practice court and gave Fisher a rack of basketballs.
West Virginia "Hick"aneers 74
Nova 68
West Virginia is extremely underrated, and has lost some close games with questionable calls, but nova's recent lockdown D will shut them down.
Nova 64
WVU 63
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