Disclaimer for this and all future Villanova Wildcats posts: I am a Villanova alum. These posts will be written from my point of view. Therefore, if the Cats lose today, it will undoubtedly be because of a combination of of referee corruption/incompetence combined with Syracuse's low admissions standards. That is not a joke. If you're looking for impartial analysis, look elsewhere.
Villanova Men's Basketball Coach Jay Wright has called this "a play-in game for the NCAA tournament." I think that might be a little strong, but it's pretty clear that the loser today is NIT bound.
Syracuse has been hobbled by injuries this season, the most damaging being to Eric Devendorf. Devendorf tore the ACL in his left knee in a mid December game against one of the many joke non-conference opponents Syracuse schedules. (Syracuse somehow has a Strength of Schedule of 7. I'm not buying it. Bobby Abreu also has a Gold Glove.)I'm sure it was worth it for the big 125-75 win over Eastern Tennessee State.
As always, a main concern for Villanova is dealing with any interior or post play, as well as any people who can be considered "tall." This year, the forward combination of Anderson, Pena, Cunningham, and Shane "Shiz" Clark make up a better frontcourt than usual. Freshman Corey Stokes will provide scoring off the bench, Scottie Reynolds will provide shooting from absurdly long distances, and Corey Fisher will provide 5 turnovers and 4-7 ugly floaters in the lane, most of which will miss.
Both Villanova and Syracuse have 19 wins, with a 9-9 Big East record. Syracuse's RPI is 45, and Villanova's is 56. Villanova has four wins agains the top 50, and...did you stop reading this yet? Villanova needs to win today. That's the point.
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