Happy Tuesday, 'Nova Nation! A lot has been made by the national media about the amount of shots Villanova takes from behind the arc, and the low rate at which they make them. Despite this, they've cruised along and waxed their opponents with defense. It's a major reason why the #narrative seems to be shifting late in the season.
Of course, none of this matters until they win in March, but it's nice to get a reprieve from the daily regurgitation of a line of thought that clearly doesn't hold much weight.
And now, the "news."
Villanova won't be undone by three-point issues | Philly.com
The conventional wisdom on No. 1 Villanova is the Wildcats will lose in the NCAA on the day they have a bad three-point shooting game. Beyond the fact that there are many rich folks who have spent a lifetime betting against conventional wisdom, there is also this fact: It's wrong.
How Villanova and Xavier could stay the course as NCAA No. 1 seeds | FOX Sports
Here we are, less than three weeks from Selection Sunday, and there is a distinct possibility that the Big East may have two teams with one-seeds in the NCAA tournament – the ultimate rejoinder to anyone who has thrown shade at the rebooted version of the Big East the past few years.
Villanova becoming Philly's center of attention | Philly.com
One big reason Jay Wright is fond of his job, he has said, is the shelf life of attention paid to it. Villanova can have a big win or loss on Saturday or Sunday, Philadelphia will celebrate or dissect it, and by Tuesday if not sooner, it’s all in the rear view mirror and he and his team move on.
Which teams give their conference the best shot at the Final Four? | ESPN
"Maybe he needs a billboard or something. Schools do that for Heisman hopefuls. Maybe Nova should create one for Josh Hart."
Top classes, big sleepers | ESPN ($)
The more unheralded player of Villanova's 2016 class might have a more immediate impact than you might think.
Ready for No. 5 Xavier versus No. 1 Villanova? | Cincinnati.com
Big East leaders clash Wednesday at Cintas Center
Video Viewer's Guide: Villanova vs. Xavier | CBSSports.com
Chip Patterson talks likely number 1 overall seed Villanova taking on Xavier in a Big East battle.
Weekday predictions: Xavier knocks off No. 1 Villanova | ESPN
Xavier will be looking for revenge Wednesday when it plays host to Villanova, which beat the Musketeers 95-64 earlier this season.
On the Quad: The Cintas Center is the place to be | ESPN
Xavier has been waiting for its chance at redemption ever since walking off the floor of a 95-64 smackdown at Villanova on Dec. 31.
13 coaches to consider for 2016's coach of the year | Sporting News
In a season of no great teams, there are some coaches doing exceptional work to give their squads a chance to cut the nets down.
Virginia's Tony Bennett, Iowa's Fran McCaffery among coach of the year candidates | SI
Seth Davis defines how he picks coach of the year candidates and lists his top 10. Mr. Wright is in his Top 5.
BC announces $200 million in facility upgrades | AP
Boston College has announced plans for $200 million in athletics facilities upgrades including a new field house, recreation center, and intramural fields.
Ohio State basketball player was too busy slapping the floor to play defense | SBNation.com
Congratulations, you played yourself!
The ACC doesn't know what the U.S. Capitol looks like | SBNation.com
The ACC men's basketball tournament is coming to Washington, D.C., and to celebrate, the conference came up with ads depicting local landmarks. But something is seriously off about one of them.
5-Foot-5 High Schooler Dunks On Two Defenders From Right In Front Of The Free Throw Line | Deadspin
Melvin Lee of Wisconsin’s Riverside University High School threw down one of the best dunks I’ve ever seen someone under six feet throw down the other day. Lee was going up into the trees from only a few steps in front of the free throw line, but he jammed it home with authority.
New Joe Paterno statue being made in secret location | Philly.com
Last year, the NCAA gave back former Penn State coach Joe Paterno's football wins, vacated following the Jerry Sandusky child-abuse scandal. But so far the iconic bronze statue of the beloved coach that was removed from outside Beaver Stadium in 2012 remains hidden in a