I Bleed Blue and White

Game just ended: 10:03 pm eastern time.  Villanova Wildcats defeat DePaul Blue Demons 99-72.  Some notes on the game are below.

-The bludgeoning had to start somewhere, and it started about 30 secs in for the Cats.  After DePaul’s Jeremiah Kelly hit a 3 on the first possession, the home team went on a 41-7 (no joke) run. 

-Villanova’s defense was swarming, DePaul’s offense was meager, and the Wildcats were hitting every shot in the first half.  They shot an unreal 61% in the opening twenty minutes, and their percentage in the first ten minutes was probably around 75%.  No doubt DePaul couldn’t match up with the Cats, but it really didn’t matter who was playing defense, as Villanova was just en fuego.

-Halftime score: Villanova 49 DePaul 24

-With a 25 point lead at the half, there obviously weren’t too many dramatic plays and situations in the second stanza, so you can guess what happened the rest of the way.

-Regardless of the score, there were a few things that stood out to me.  First, Isaiah Armood reminds me of Shane Clark in terms of always being active and all of the little things that he does.  Furthermore, Armwood, like Clark, does not have the best offensive skill set, but his length and athleticism are very valuable to this squad.  Next, when I watch Malik Wayns play, I see a lot of Kyle Lowry.  I think Wayns might be a little better shooter, while Lowry was a better defender, but they both have absolutely no fear.  Lowry was never afraid to guard a bigger and stronger opponent or dive in a scrum for a loose ball, just like Wayns appears to be unfazed when driving into the lane over and over again. 

-DePaul may easily go winless again in the Big East this year, but my gut tells me they will get at least 1, maybe 2 wins.  No team should have to suffer back-to-back 0-fers in conference.  I honestly feel bad for DePaul’s Mac Koshwal.  He is the lone threat for the Blue Demons, and his teammates can’t even get it inside to him usually.  On any other team, Koshwal would be recognized and praised a lot more.  He is a stud on a miserable team, which means opponents solely focus in on him night in and night out.     

-Would have liked to see Corey Stokes play, but no reason to give him minutes with a bad hamstring.  Also, nice to see Mouphtaou Yarou get some action and Allan Ray cheering on his alma mater.

I can guarantee that will be the easiest game the rest of the year.  Next up is a huge game on Saturday against what will be an angry Marquette team looking for revenge.