The ESPN college basketball analysts have teamed up to writed their ‘Weekend Watch’ column, and to no (okay, some) surprise the Villanova-West Virginia matchup is the headlining story. Jay Bilas, who is a huge fan of the Cats, breaks down the game for us. Here’s a sample.
“Key Matchup: Da’Sean Butler vs. Dante Cunningham
Butler is coming off his worst and most frustrating game of the season. He was in foul trouble from the opening tip against Pittsburgh, and fouled out with over five minutes to go. Butler is a tough matchup and has great footwork. In Big East play, he has been at his best, averaging over 20 points per game’. Cunningham may be the most improved “good” player in the Big East. He went from good to great and has played consistently at a very high level.”
Bilas also discusses the ‘X-Factors’, ‘What To Watch For’, and picks a winner of the game (good for you Jay). It’s a great analysis by Bilas, who is the best there is at ESPN in my opinion. Make sure you check it out, it’s a great guide to this weekend’s action.
The newest ‘Power Rankings’ from ESPN also came out today, and the Villanova Wildcats continue to garner national respect as they move up to #9 despite from “hate voting” from a couple of people (who we’ll mention in a second). Here’s what ESPN had to say about Villanova.
“Villanova’s averaging almost 100 points a game over its last three and is within striking distance of the Big East leaders after beating Marquette at home. Dante Cunningham is putting up All-Big East numbers for the Wildcats, averaging 18 ppg during Nova’s six-game winning streak.”
It’s going to be a crime if Cunningham doesn’t get 1st Team status at the end of the year, especially with how he has led this team to where they are today. Unfortunately, the Big East is full of great big men, and I think Cunningham is going to fall just short, which is a shame.
As for the boneheads with an obvious agenda against Villanova, you’ve got to check out the way that Joe Lunardi, and especially Doug Gottlieb voted. Honestly, I think we’ve all come to expect this from Lunardi. He’s got a bad case of little brother syndrome being from down the road at St. Joe’s, so I don’t really mind. (Oh, and if you ever go into a Joe Lunardi chat, ask him why he hates Villanova. His rants where he just goes off on the person asking the question never get old).
But can anyone explain to me how Gottlieb even gets a vote? This is the clown that was kicked out of Notre Dame for stealing his roommate’s credit card and going on a shopping spree that would rival only the kids in The Mighty Ducks. His ballot could mean two things. (1) That he was severely under the influence or (2) he is in fact an idiot like many of us suspect. UConn at #4 (below Pitt)? Wake at#7? Villanova at #14? Pathetic, Dougie.
February 13, 2009
Agreed, that guy is a ‘tard. I have to say I like our chances to move into the top 4 in the Big East by the end of the season if we go 5-2 or better, probably even 4-3. Consider that what we really need is losses for the teams above us, and they have five total remaining games against one another. Not as many as I’d like, but still a significant # as they represent 5 definite losses for these teams. Considering they are each still susceptible to other losses against decent teams like SU, Georgetown, & Notre Dame, I think we have a good chance.
Remaining 5 games for current top 4 teams:
Pitt vs UConn – twice
Marquette vs Louisville, UConn, and Pitt
That’s all looking ahead though, what we need is a W tonight. Go Nova!