Villanova faces Siena in NCAA round two

vs.

12-seed Villanova Wildcats (21-12) vs.

13-seed Siena Saints (23-10)

Date: Sunday, March 23, 2008
Location: Tampa, Florida (St. Pete Times Forum)
Time: 12:10 p.m. EDT
Television: CBS

While Villanova no doubt had its fans' hearts pounding throughout the night Saturday, Siena took a different route in its upset win over Vanderbuilt, routing the Commodores 83-62 in a game that was never close.

Villanova must continue its stellar second-half perimeter defense in order to win this match-up with the MAAC Conference champions on Easter Sunday, as the Saints are an extremely up-tempo team that uses its athleticism to a distinct advantage.

Siena should not be taken lightly. The Saints have faced several NCAA tournament teams this season, beating Stanford at home, Boise State on the road, and demolishing MAAC favorite (and supposed tournament auto-bid) Rider in the conference championship. In addition, the Saints played hotly-contested games with St. Joe's and Patriot League powerhouse Holy Cross.

The Saints match up well with Villanova's style of play, as they present a trio of lethal guards ,starting with leading scorer Edwin Ubiles (17.3 ppg). The sophomore shoots 43 percent from the arc, and scored 11 points against Vanderbuilt. Guard Kenny Hasbrouck, who averages 16 ppg and shoots nearly 40 percent from the three, dumped 30 points on the Commodores and was the game's leading scorer. Sophomore Alex Franklin scores 15 points and grabs 7.9 rebounds per game, a respectable number for a 6-5 forward. Ronald Moore (8.8 ppg) is an extremely quick guard, and he has to be excited to be facing Villanova, a school just an exit off the Blue Route from his home in Conshohocken, Penn. Finally, Tay Fisher, a generously listed 5-9 guard, is the only senior in the Saints' rotation. A tremendous shooter, Fisher converts 45 percent of his threes, going 6-6 from downtown against Vandy and 6-10 against Rider.


Keys to the game

Perimeter defense: Watching the Clemson game was like witnessing two completely different games for Villanova. In the second half, the team came out extremely energized and basically nullified any perimeter game the Tigers possessed. Against Siena, Dante and Pena must continue to rotate to the top of the key, sealing off any perpendicular driving lanes where guards like to kick the ball out. In addition, rebounding against this smaller team should be emphasized, not taken for granted, limiting second-chance points.

Get hot early: 'Nova Nation can not stomach another second half comeback. Because of its Cinderella status, the longer Siena stays in the game, the more the Saints will believe that they deserve to play with the big guys. Let's stop this team from advancing any further by building a quick lead and holding it for good.

Go down low: Feed the big men on the block. What Villanova lacks in height in terms of a true center and power forward doesn't necessarily translate into a lack of effectiveness. Villanova forwards are more than capable in the post, and if they play well, demanding double teams, it is just an easy kick-out away from finding an open three.

Control Siena's pace: Siena has the athleticism to run with anybody, but sometimes has trouble playing in a half-court game. If Jay Wright can control the speed of the game and not let this turn into a shootout, Siena will have to make every offensive trip count. I believe this is the most important aspect of the game, where a little three-quarters press can make all the difference between going home and continuing to dance.

X-factors

Exhaustion: The 'Cats expelled a lot of effort to beat Clemson, and Reynolds looked physically drained at the end of the game. Jay needs to motivate this team to continue to play "Villanova Basketball."

Reggie Redding: If Siena finds a way to build a lead, look for Jay Wright to call on Redding to defend the Saints' top shooter at that time.


You may predict the final score and describe your own keys to the game in the comment section below.