One swallow doesn't make a spring, but I think many of us in Card Nation were able to enjoy our bourbons and beers following UofL's victory over Pitt last Saturday. It was the most complete game we've played since Memphis, and the first time in a long time that our players looked like they were having fun out there. Here's to hoping the mirth & merriment continues tomorrow night when we host the Villanova Wildcats (7 P.M. on ESPN).
Villanova coach and perennial "Mommie Likes" candidate Jay Wright has his Wildcats at 10-10 (3-5 Big East). Coach Wright's style is well-known at this point: Playing with three or four guards at a time, the Wildcats like to run and gun. Despite being 225th in the country in FG% (.422), Nova averages 73.6 points per game. (Their poor FG% may also explain why they are 7th in the nation in rebounds per game. Someone's gotta collect the bricks.)
As much as I enjoy a fast-paced game, I think this is one Coach Pitino wants to slow down. For a guard-heavy offense, Villanova isn't very good from deep, hitting 31% of their 3-point attempts. However, they do excel at the foul line, shooting 75% as a team. These two numbers alone point to a classic call for the 2-3 zone. Villanova also has a problem with turnovers (.89 A/T ratio). All in all, I think Villanova's offensive style and problems play right into our hands. Hopefully we'll impose our will instead of trying to adjust to whatever tweaks Wright makes tomorrow night.
The Wildcat to watch is 6-2 Junior Guard Maalik Wayns. He averages nearly 19 points and five assists per game, and is the catalyst for all of Villanova's offense. He was all over the floor when these two teams played last year, and he's only gotten better. Having said that, if our guards can slow him down and deny him some passing lanes, the rest of the team's job becomes much easier.
As for when we have the ball, I'm simply hoping to see more of what we got on Saturday night. Kuric working for a shot, Siva driving when appropriate, and Chane taking smarter shots. You can't expect the shots to fall like they did against Pitt (the Cards shot 70% in the second half), but good decision-making leads to good shots, and that's all we can ask for.
Win or lose, the Villanova-UofL games are always fun to watch, and I've always been a fan of Jay Wright. Let's hope the Cards can secure a much-needed home win before heading off to Seton Hall this weekend.
I think you hit on the most important factor going forward. Can we play defense without fouling? We did against Pitt and it was great. UL doesn't score enough points ususually do give em away at the line. When nova gets in the bonus will be important.
ReplyDeleteGreat point Anon, and thanks for completing my thought. I don't know if our fouling problem over the last several games was a result of Pitino's coaching or just a product of the team's frustration, but here's to hoping we've got it figured out.
ReplyDeleteThey're all big ones from here on out. UL really needs to get back on the right side of .500 in conference play. Can't afford any more slipups. Red/Cliffy, you think Jay Wright will be a candidate whenever Pitino leaves?
ReplyDeleteHonestly, no. I expect his name to come up, but doubt he'll be a serious candidate. The conference affiliation is likely to be too big a barrier for him. Ditto for Jamie Dixon.
DeleteIt's impossible to predict, so much has to do with timing. I'd keep in eye on Steve Prohm. You don't want to go too overboard after one magic season, but he's young and the stars could align if he continues to be successful in the next few years.
I have to agree with Mr. Red on this one. The conference affliation will be a big one, and frankly, unless Coach Wright starts making the Elite 8 on a regular basis and to the last weekend a time or two, it won't be enough for the Cardinal fan base. We'll want someone that's been to a Final Four or better within the last three years, and I don't think that's unreasonable. Having said that, if things go the way I hope, there won't be a conference affiliation to worry about much longer. #Occupy Big 12.
Delete