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What to watch for when Villanova hosts Butler on Senior Night

Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

Senior Day is here. The winningest class in Villanova history will be honored for their contributions over the last four years. And how fitting to do so against Butler, the team `Nova always hosts for the conference play opener or Senior Day.

The Bulldogs started conference play 3-6. They had one of the toughest starts to conference play, with their first four losses coming to Providence, Xavier, and Villanova. But this is a different team as of late, winning four of their last five. And with how crazy college basketball has been this year, any game has the potential for an upset.

Here's three things to look for on Saturday.

1. Kelan Martin is on fire

The sophomore forward is averaging 21.5 PPG over his last six, while shooting just over 45% from the field in that same span. The Temple frontcourt combined for just 23 points on Wednesday night, and Daniel Ochefu and company (Darryl Reynolds has disappeared in the last two games) will need equal success against the Bulldogs.

In the last meeting against Butler, Chef only logged 19 minutes due to foul trouble. While missing three games since then due to a concussion, he has not had foul trouble since that game back on January 10th. It is key that he keep that same awareness to stay on the court.

2. The other forward, Roosevelt Jones

If you have watched Butler play this season, you can tell this guy is the real deal. Late in games it is Jones who has spaced the Bulldogs from the opponent, not afraid to drive to the basket and draw contact. His averages on the season are efficient, averaging a 13.8/6.9/4.8 slash. He has attempted one shot beyond the arc this season- a successful half court heave before the halftime buzzer- but his shots can come from anywhere. All five Wildcats on the floor need to know where he is at all times.

3. Josh Hart needs a bounceback

In his last two games, the junior is shooting 20% in his only single-digit point efforts on the season. In his defense, he has not stayed totally quiet; he grabbed 14 boards and dished out 6 assists against St. John's and Temple. Josh needs to find more success driving to the basket like he has all season, especially in games when his teammates go quiet and he needs to pick up the slack.

Enjoy Senior Day!