Why Villanova Will Win The Championship
Breaking down why the Villanova Wildcats can and will win the championship.
Breaking down why the Villanova Wildcats can and will win the championship.
Villanova will win the championship if …
It’s been a calling card all year for Villanova, which limited opponents to 63.0 points per game in regular season, 15th fewest in Division I. Jay Wright’s team has only kicked it up a notch since postseason play began, not allowing 70 points in a single contest and holding Kansas to just 59 points, 20 below the Jayhawks’ season average.
There’s truly a team concept at Villanova, which features a balanced offensive attack. That the Wildcats don’t possess a clear cut star player actually works in their favor, thanks in part to the experience on the roster. Ryan Arcidiacono is a steady presence in the backcourt while 7-foot center Daniel Ochefu mans the paint – both are seniors. Juniors Josh Hart (15.3 points and 6.7 rebounds) and Kris Jenkins (13.5 points) are both capable scorers for a team that averages 82.3 points per game.
It’s defense, though, that is often credited for winning championships. There will be nights when shots aren’t falling, but Villanova knows defense is about effort as much as it is ability. Buying in to giving it all on the defensive end has turned the Wildcats into a remarkably consistent team. If Villanova is able to continue that trend for two more games, they will be cutting down the nets for the first time since 1985.
