Keys to the game: tournament edition

vs.

Villanova Wildcats (20-12) vs.
#22 Clemson Tigers (24-9)

Date: Friday, March 21, 2008
Location: Tampa, Florida
Time: 9:50 p.m. EDT
Television: CBS


Keys to the game

Ball control: Coach Oliver Purnell employs a 10-man rotation with an emphasis on the full-court press. The effectiveness of this press, when it works, was seen in the ACC championship game against North Carolina, when the Tar Heel guards were pestered all afternoon in the backcourt. Right now, Scottie Reynolds is Villanova’s best ball handler, but when he becomes double and triple-teamed, Corey Fisher will have to step up and limit his turnovers for ‘Nova to be successful.

Clemson’s starting upperclassman guards are 6-foot-5 and 6-3, so it makes sense for Villanova to start its longer lineup, with Corey Stokes at the 2 and Reynolds at the point. Limit the turnovers and easy transition baskets for the Tigers, and Villanova will have more than a shot to come out on top.

Defense: This is the key to stopping Clemson’s full-court press. If Villanova can rebound on defense and stop the Tigers from scoring, Villanova will not have to inbound the ball and, as a result, Clemson will be unable to set up its press set. Jay Wright must use his substitutions wisely, because Clemson's press wears on guards' legs. With quick rotations, this exhaustion will not translate to poor defensive efforts. Keep the Tigers under 70 points and we have a shot.

Free throws: The Tigers shot 62.3 percent for the season, last in the ACC. Clemson’s guards Rivers and Hammonds shoot 67.7 percent and 45.9 percent from the stripe, respectively. Similarly, the starting big men Mays and Booker shoot under 60% collectively. Villanova as a team shoots 72.3 percent. Simply put, if the Wildcats are forced to foul around the rim, they must foul hard. Statistically speaking, Clemson is much less damaging when attempting to make two free throws at a time rather than trying to complete a three point play, in which the basket has already counted.

X-factors

'Nova PGs: As Scottie goes, so does Villanova. A dominating performance by the sophomore guard can propel 'Nova into the next round, and possibly beyond. In addition, Corey Fisher needs to be more consistent with the ball in his hands and not force bad passes inside. Limiting turnovers and taking quality shots are a must.

Corey Stokes: His hot shooting will demand attention, allowing for Reynolds to hopefully slip past the defense.

Remember to comment and participate in our contest to predict the final score. I would not be surprised with the outcome of this game either way, but I predict that Clemson may be riding a bit too high after its recent success at the end of their regular season, giving the 'Cats just enough of an edge to pull out a victory.