'Nova looks to keep momentum vs. 'Cuse

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#21 Villanova Wildcats (12-3, 2-2 BE) at
Syracuse Orange (13-5, 3-2 BE)

Date: Saturday, January 19, 2008
Location: Carrier Dome (Syracuse, NY)
Time: 12:00 p.m. EST
Television: ESPN

Syracuse coverage: CuseAdelphia || Orange Basketball

Villanova might hope its strong second half against DePaul propels the 'Cats to another Big East victory this Saturday, when Villanova travels to Syracuse to take on a young but talented team.

Decimated by season-ending injuries to guards Andy Rautins and Eric Devendorf, Syracuse is led by two freshmen who make up one of the strongest recruiting classes in all of college basketball: Donte Greene (18.9 ppg, 7.9 rpg, 1.9 apg) and Jonny Flynn (14.5, 2.4, 5.4). Add the talented sophomores Paul Harris (13.6, 9.2) and 6'9" Arinze Onuaku (13.6, 7.7), and Syracuse has four double-digit scorers capable of taking the game over offensively on a team that averages more than 83 points a game.

Like Villanova, 'Cuse lost to the Cincinnati Bearcats in Ohio, do in large part to its inconsistent defense. Although the Orange easily built a big lead in the game's opening minutes, Syracuse was unable to hold it, and ultimately lost. It is in this aspect of the game that many parallels and similarities can be drawn between these two teams. Both are at times able to score at will, but it is their lack of experience that allows more veteran-laden -- albeit less talented -- teams to win, a la Cincinnati and DePaul.

"READ MORE" below for the keys to the game and x-factors. As always, you may try to predict the final score and offer your own keys to the game in the comments section.

Keys to the game

Villanova Press: It is important that Villanova continually pressures the Syracuse's ball handlers. Once the Orange gets into its offensive sets, it is very hard to contain Syracuse's scorers. 'Cuse is extremely balanced offensively, with scoring options both in the post and on the wing, so it is imperative that 'Nova force turnovers and harass the young guards.

Tempo: Jim Boeheim traditionally runs a 2-3 defense with his teams. Because this year's edition is still learning to play cohesively at the collegiate level, however, many times Coach Boeheim reverts to man-to-man defense. Villanova's offense should dictate which defense Syracuse will primarily play, forcing the Orange to react to Villanova's offense.

Rebound: The 'Cats out-rebounded DePaul 40-18, yet still only managed to win the game in the last few minutes. If the 'Cats still refuse to play perimeter defense and allow teams to stay dangerously close, each defensive rebound will be especially important to keep Syracuse from scoring on second chances.

X-factors

Shane Clark: His athleticism and long arms will prove to be valuable against Syracuse's big men in Greene and Onuaku.

Antonio Pena: 'Tone is riding a wave of confidence over the past few games and is beginning to look like another viable scoring option. Get him the ball and let him go to work down low.

This game may prove to be a high-scoring and exciting affair, and I, for one, look forward to watching two explosive teams play to their potential Saturday morning.