I Bleed Blue and White

The Game: #5 Villanova vs. Kutztown (Exhibition)

Location: The Wachovia Center in Philadelphia, PA

Time: 7:00 p.m. ET

Broadcast: If anyone has anything please let us know

Brief Rundown: Villanova is coming off the school’s first Final Four appearance since they won it all in 1985. The most heralded senior class in school history is gone (Frank Tchuisi remains on the coaching staff) but a consensus Top-5 recruiting class has arrived. Villanova boasts one of the best and deepest backcourts in the country, but the frontcourt remains a mystery for the time being.

Kutztown is ranked 16th in the Division II preseason polls, and is coming off one of the best season’s in the school’s history as well. They won the PSAC East Championship, made the PSAC Finals, and made their first trip to the NCAA Division II Atlantic Region Final. They are led by pre-season All-American Stephen Dennis, who is currently third on Kutztown’s all-time scoring list.

3 Keys to Victory:

1. Find a stopper - With Reggie Redding out until late December, ‘Nova needs to find another defensive stopper. Corey Stokes has shown great strides in his defense the last two years, and he may have the mentality to be that guy. Dominic Cheek could also be a candidate. Stephen Dennis is as good a pre-season test as they could hope for.
2. Don’t pull a Syracuse – Seriously, I’ve been talking a lot of crap to my Syracuse friends.. Don’t make me regret that. Come out and play the game.
3. Enjoy it - For the freshman, this is your first taste of ‘Nova basketball. Make it worthwhile. For the seniors, this is the start of the season you’ve been working towards. Lead this team towards greatness.

Links:

• Bears can’t wait to face Villanova (Reading Eagle)

…Lets Go Nova!…let’s have some predictions on score, starting lineups, whatever you want in the comments section…