The Game: #10 Villanova (26-6, 13-5) vs. #5 Louisville (26-5, 16-2)
Location: Madison Square Garden in New York, NY
Time: 7:00 p.m. ET
Broadcast: ESPN and ESPNHD
Brief Rundown: Villanova narrowly escaped Marquette after blowing a 16 point halftime lead. They’ll need to play a more complete game to beat the Cardinals. Louisville made it look easy against Providence. Earl Clark and Samardo Samuels imposed their will against the undersized Friars en route to a 73-55 win.
The last time these teams met, it was an ugly game. Louisville ended up taking the win 61-60 after Villanova could not convert multiple free throw opportunities down the stretch.
3 Keys to Victory:
- Take care of the ball – Louisville loves to use the full court press and they have had great success with it, leading to many easy baskets. Villanova should have the guard play to handle it, but Corey Fisher and Scottie Reynolds will need to play under control. They can’t afford to constantly turn it over.
- Defend the perimeter – The Cardinals have a plethora of guards and forwards who act like guards. Villanova held Louisville to 3-25 from beyond the arc last time out, which was a big reason why they were able to climb back in the game. Earl Clark can get jump shot happy, even though he’s so tough inside. Force Louisville to take ill-advised shots.
- Play through the pain – After a tough game with Marquette, it’s going to be natural for Villanova to be tired and sluggish. But this team thrives on grit and determination. They love scrapping and clawing. That’s what this game will end up being about. Louisville is flashy. Villanova works hard. Outwork them and see the rewards in the end.
Links:
…Lets Go Nova…what’s everyone think about the game tonight?…
March 13, 2009
Hello, Chris-
I enjoyed the preview. My two cents on some of your points…
1) Handling the press – I agree that we have the guards to handle it… if we have the opportunity to get into the halfcourt offense and work the ball in to Dante (something we couldn’t do yesterday because he was in foul trouble)… we’re in good shape..
2) Defend the perimeter – if Redding can continue his stellar play, that’s a big key to doing so…
3) I wonder how much of a letdown there is, given the way the game ended yesterday. Louisville won easily and without having to expend a lot of energy, and I think that anytime a victory is attained on an incredible play at the end, there’s something anticlimactic about the next one…
let’s see what happens…