The Sun’s Arizin: Villanova Basketball’s “Big Game” Jermaine Samuels

Happy Game Day Nova Nation! If you’ve been paying attention even a little bit to Villanova this post season, one player has stood out as consistently playing at a level above what we’ve seen the rest of the season. That player is Jermaine Samuels.

In five games this post-season, Samuels is averaging 13 points, 9 rebounds, 1 assist, and 1 steal per game. He’s been named KenPom’s player of the game twice during this stretch (UConn and Ohio State), the most of any Villanova player. To put it bluntly, he’s been a crucial piece to Villanova’s success.

When a player elevates their game, often we look at scoring. Samuels has certainly been impressive there, totaling 65 points over the last five games. But believe it or not, that doesn’t even break into the Top 20 5 game scoring totals of his career. Heck, it only ranks 5th this season. So if it’s not the scoring that makes us all say he’s playing better, what is it?

I think it starts with the aggressiveness. Samuels has been far more deliberate and decisive when attacking the paint this post-season, something fans have been clamoring for all season. But it’s not just on offense where that assertiveness is showing up. In fact, the reason he’s winning MVPs and the reason he “feels” like he’s playing at another level is the rebounding.

In the last five games, Samuels has totaled more rebounds than any other five game stretch in his career. And it’s not that he had one big game, it’s been consistent:

• St. John’s: 8
• UConn: 12
• Creighton: 8
• Delaware: 9
• Ohio State: 8

At this time of year when the biggest criticism people seem to be pointing at for Nova is their lack of size and depth, Samuels is coming up big on the boards. In fact, just in the NCAA Tournament Samuels overtook Eric Dixon for most total rebounds on the season.

In today’s game Villanova will need not just Samuels but everyone to step up against a Michigan team that’s good on the offensive glass, and even better on defense. And so, the question I pose to you Nova Nation is who will lead Villanova in rebounding against Michigan?

In other news...

Sweet 16: Villanova vs Michigan

Wildcats Set to Meet Michigan in NCAA Sweet 16 Thursday | Villanova University
Villanova and MIchigan will meet Thrusday at 7:29 p.m.

Michigan on run at the right time | NWA Online
ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- Michigan went into the NCAA Tournament with a troubling trend, alternating between winning and losing for 10 straight games. In a one-and-done tournament, that's not going to work.

Villanova coach Jay Wright, players preview Sweet 16 matchup vs. Michigan | 247 Sports
The No. 2 seeded Villanova Wildcats will take on the No. 11 seeded Michigan Wolverines Thursday in the Sweet 16 round of the NCAA Tournament.

South Preview: 'Nova vs. Michigan again at site of '18 title | AP News
SAN ANTONIO (AP) — Collin Gillespie, Jermaine Samuels and Villanova are back in the city of the Alamo for the first time since winning the national championship there four years ago. Even the opponent is the same, though in a different arena for this somewhat unexpected Sweet 16 matchup against Michigan.

Michigan-Villanova brings high school 'rivalry' to March Madness | New York Post
Mike Jones will be glued to his television set on Thursday night when Villanova meets Michigan in a Sweet 16 South Region showdown in San Antonio.

Villanova Men’s Basketball

Look: Kris Jenkins' Tweet About North Carolina Going Viral | The Spun
The former Villanova guard trolled the team he beat with a game-winning shot in the 2016 men's championship game.

For Kelvin Sampson and Jay Wright, Gregg Popovich’s influence remains | Express News
With the University of Houston on Thursday, Sampson — like fellow Popovich disciple and...

March Madness: Villanova is a great bet in the Sweet 16 | Yahoo Sports!
Here are a few creative ways to wager on the Wildcats without having to lay the points.

NBA Wildcats

What happens when best friends are traded for each other in the middle of the NBA season? | ESPN
The New Orleans Pelicans and Portland Trail Blazers traded Josh Hart and Larry Nance, Jr., for each other in CJ McCollum deal at the deadline. The longtime friends decided to swap houses.

Mikal Bridges and his ever-increasing offensive workload | Bright Side Of The Sun
In the wake of injuries, Bridges has brought volume that should stick around

Jalen Brunson is the linchpin of the Dallas Mavericks playoff hopes | The Smoking Cuban
Dallas Mavericks guard Jalen Brunson needs to stay on the floor and keep the offense rolling if his team wants to advance past the first round of the playoffs.

Villanova Athletics

Late Rally Comes Up Just Short as Wildcats Fall to Princeton, 6-5 | Villanova University
PRINCETON, N.J.—Senior shortstop Megan Kern (Royersford, Pa.) had two clutch runs batted in and sophomore pitcher Caroline Pellicano (Norristown, Pa.) worked 3 2/3