'Nova wasn't efficient -- except with killer D
It wasn’t pretty or efficient, but Villanova emerged from a solid tournament field unbeaten. The ‘Cats may even be a little bit better because of it.
Ricardo Arduengo/AP |
Corey Stokes blocks a shot from George Mason's Johnny Williams.
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A 79-67 win against Ole Miss on Sunday was just the capper of a tourney that revolved around defense and perseverance.
“You know, this tournament is a great tournament with all the teams that are in it,” said senior guard Scottie Reynolds, who scored 21 vs. the Rebs. “(We) haven’t really been tested against a tough team, and we beat three tough teams.”
Those teams include George Mason (which nearly knocked off Georgia Tech, then beat Indiana) and No. 18 Dayton (deep and aggressive on defense, just like ‘Nova), none of which scored more than a point per possession or shot better than 40 percent from the field.
Remember the stifling defense Villanaova used to smack Duke in the NCAA tournament last March? It hasn’t gone anywhere.
Yes, the Wildcats’ offense was simply good enough. They went for .992, .989 and .95 PPP in three games and never topped 45 percent eFG%. But what else would you expect when they’re without big men Reggie Redding – a starter last season – and star freshman Mouphtaou Yarou? (Yarou went home due to a viral infection, while Redding is still serving a suspension.)
When they return, could it be the best of both worlds -- a better offense and a defense that’s just as potent? May have to wait until Big East play begins to have that question answered.
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