I Bleed Blue and White

The Game: #8 Villanova (11-1) at Marquette (9-4, 0-1)

Location: The Bradley Center in Milwaukee, WI

Time: 3:30 p.m. ET

Broadcast: ESPN2

Brief Rundown: Villanova got some excellent news on New Year’s Eve when it was announced that freshman Mouphtaou Yarou had been cleared to resume basketball activities, just in time for the BIG EAST. Because of the creampuff schedule they faced after getting Reggie Redding back, we haven’t been able to tell what this team is going to look like heading into BIG EAST play. The return of both, however, will definitely aid the super-thin frontcourt.

After losing three spectacular senior guards last year, nobody really expected them to be that formidable of a foe, despite the return of Lazar Hayward and Jimmy Butler. Both have performed admirably thus far, with Hayward averaging just under 20 points per game. Greg Norman spoiled the fun in their conference opener against West Virginia, but they definitely proved they aren’t going to be a push-over this year.

Last Time Out: After Scottie Reynolds led a great first-half assault in the BIG EAST Tournament, ‘Nova allowed Marquette to make it a nail-biter before Dwayne Anderson provided the heroics with a layup as time expired.

What I Want To See: This could go two ways. Marquette could fold early because of the heartbreaking loss they suffered, or they could come out looking to actually get that upset-win. I’d bank on the latter. I want to see how our young players handle what should be a very hostile environment, because it certainly isn’t going to be the last one they face this season.

Links:

• Cracked Sidewalks
• Buzz Williams talks ‘Nova
• Marquette players talk ‘Nova
• ‘Nova talks BIG EAST,Marquette, and Yarou’s return (click on ‘Sportsnite’ tab, and clips are from 12/31)