/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/70688665/Nova_Mug.0.jpeg)
Happy Wednesday Nova Nation! All season long we’ve been tracking the Wildcats ability to close out games. Breaking their performance down by ten minute quarters, it was clear that the wildcats had trouble defending a late lead. But what was once a weakness for Villanova has become a strength. It’s not that Villanova no longer loses in the fourth quarter, but it’s the way they’re playing the entire game now that has changed their ability to close.
Let’s start by looking at the raw stats we’ve been tracking all year. Here you’ll find all 37 games Villanova has played this season, broken down into scoring margin by quarter and sorted by 4th quarter performance. Post season games, including the Big East Tournament and NCAA Tournament, are highlighted in blue.
:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23354837/Screen_Shot_2022_03_30_at_2.46.33_AM.png)
There are some really good takeaways here, especially when focusing on the post-season games. Villanova has lost the 4th quarter in less than half of those games, and never by more than two possessions. Obviously, all of the post season games have also resulted in wins. But the stat that I think stands out the most comes when you look at how Villanova has performed in every quarter so far this post-season.
:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23354840/Screen_Shot_2022_03_30_at_2.51.30_AM.png)
Villanova’s toughness has defined this post season run, and the stats are backing it up. During the season the team became susceptible to runs by their opponent, which could lead to some situations they couldn’t recover from. However in the post-season, Nova has shown an amazing resilience to absorb their opponents best shot and come back swinging. When an opponent has gone on a scoring run, Villanova is right there to match them. If Villanova hits a shooting slump, they step it up on defense to ensure their opponent can’t take advantage.
That’s been especially true against elite teams in the 4th quarter. On the season Villanova got outscored by 7+ points in the 4th quarter by Top 50 KenPom opponents over 25% of the time. But in this post season run, not only has it not happened in the 4th quarter, it hasn’t happened in any quarter by any level of opponent. They haven’t lost consecutive quarters in a game since the first half of their first game in the Big East Tournament. And they haven’t failed to close out a single game in the post season.
Yes, there is still room for improvement. Villanova has only won the 4th quarter in two of their seven post season games. But that’s been more reflective of their ability to ice out games they’re leading late and put a strangle hold on the competition. There’s no rule that says you have to blow the other team out at the end of a game, you just have to win. And winning is exactly what has gotten Villanova back to the Final Four.
In other news...
Villanova vs Kansas
Villanova vs Kansas: 2022 NCAA Tournament game preview, TV schedule | Busting Brackets
Kansas and Villanova are two of the most consistent programs in college hoops and the NCAA Tournament. But only one gets to make it to the title game.
Kansas vs. Villanova picks, odds, TV channel: Expert predictions for NCAA Tournament Final Four game | The Athletic
Villanova is without Justin Moore, but can the Wildcats pull off a minor upset against Kansas and reach its third title game in seven years.
Early Lean: No. 2 Villanova vs. No. 1 Kansas | 247 Sports
Gary Parrish and Matt Norlander join Chris Hassel to share their picks for No. 2 Villanova and No. 1 Kansas.
Jay Wright: We Have to Prepare for Remy Martin | Fox Sports 1070
Although Kansas has some amazing players, Remy Martin is absolutely on fire.
Kansas Doesn’t Need A Storyline To Keep Winning | FiveThirtyEight
There are plenty of folks in Lawrence, Kansas — and even a pundit or two — who believe the cancellation of the 2020 men’s NCAA Tournament due to the COVID-19 pa…
Villanova Wildcats: 3 bold predictions for 2022 Final Four vs. Kansas | Clutch Points
Villanova will play Kansas in the 2022 Final Four. We reveal our 3 bold predictions for the Wildcats against the Jayhawks.
Villanova Men’s Basketball
Villanova may not be a vintage Jay Wright team, but it may not matter | Sports Illustrated
This Wildcats squad isn’t as talented as Jay Wright’s two title teams. But they proved their worth in a hard-nosed win that puts them back in the Final Four.
High school coach of Villanova star Caleb Daniels expected his college success | Crescent City Sports
It all started for Caleb Daniels in New Orleans at St. Augustine High School. Now the Villanova star will return home to play on the college basketball’s biggest stage in the NCAA Final Four this weekend.
Villanova Basketball’s All-Time Starting 5 is Pure Grit | Fanbuzz
Villanova has had plenty of great basketball players throughout its illustrious history, which makes this lineup gritty.
Villanova's Collin Gillespie had 'no fear', says Archbishop Wood teammates | Pocono Record
Collin Gillespie, the leading scorer for Final Four-bound Villanova, was making winning plays in high school for Archbishop Wood
Former UR assistant Jay Wright continues working his hoops magic | Rochester Business Journal
Mike Neer likes to joke that he doesn’t get enough credit for helping Jay Wright become the best-dressed coach in college basketball. “He showed up for his job interview at the University of Rochester back in 1984 in bib overalls and bare feet,” Neer said the other day, tongue planted firmly in cheek. “And I ...March 29, 2022
March Madness: Justin Moore injury gives Bryan Antoine big chance | New York Post
The Final Four could be Bryan Antoine's long-awaited chance to prove himself on the biggest stage of all with Villanova guard Justin Moore out.
What An NCAA Championship Does For Jay Wright | 247 Sports
Gary Parrish joins Tommy Tran to discuss what another NCAA Championship would do for Jay Wright's legacy.
What Will Collin Gillespie's Impact Be In The Final Four? | 247 Sports
Gary Parrish joins Tommy Tran to break down what sort of impact Collin Gillespie will have in the Final Four.
Replacing Moore won’t be easy, but nothing new for ‘Nova | Delco Times
Losing a key contributor for the postseason has become an alarmingly regular occurrence for the Wildcats. Winning in their absence is also something they’ve gotten used to.
Final Four
Duke, Kansas lead 2022 Final Four power rankings | Sports Illustrated
A quartet of blueblood college basketball programs will enter, but only one will emerge with the national championship.
Ranking the top 25 players in the 2022 men's Final Four and handicapping the NCAA tournament Most Outstanding Player race | ESPN+
Ranking the top 25 players in this weekend's extravaganza, including starting lineups and key reserves. For Villanova: 4) Samuels, 9) Gillespie, 15) Dixon, 19) Daniels, 21) Slater
What KU basketball fans can do in NOLA for the Final Four | The Kansas City Star
University of Kansas basketball fans are headed to New Orleans for the NCAA March Madness tournament. Go to concerts, watch parties, pep rallies & team practice.
Future Wildcats
Cam Whitmore, Dariq Whitehead headline East's win over West in McDonald's All American boys' high school basketball game | ESPN
Future Duke Blue Devil Dariq Whitehead had 13 points on Tuesday night, helping the East past the West, 105-81, at the McDonald's All American boys high school basketball game in Chicago.
NBA Wildcats
Who are the top former Villanova players in NBA history? | Rookie Wire
The Wildcats have produced some of basketball's most beloved names. Who are the top former Villanova players in NBA history?
WATCH: Jeremiah Robinson-Earl's Return | Sports Illustrated
Jeremiah Robinson-Earl records eight boards in 15 minutes.
Big East
Rahsool Diggins elects to enter the transfer portal | The UConn Blog
The highly-touted recruit played sparingly during his first season at UConn.
Xavier outlasts St. Bonaventure to advance to NIT final | Banners On The Parkway
The Musketeers ride a scalding hot first half to victory over the Bonnies
Villanova Athletics
Weaver Wins Golden Horseshoe Intercollegiate, Wildcats Place Fifth | Villanova University
Williamsburg, Va. - Peter Weaver earned his second career individual victory on Tuesday, finishing the Golden Horseshoe Intercollegiate 1-over par. Villanova finished
Blazing bats power Wildcats to Liberty Bell Classic Semifinals over Delaware State | Villanova University
DOVER, De. – Villanova unloaded its second-most hits of the season and tied its season-high for runs in a 15-5 trouncing of Delaware State on Tuesday at Bob Reed
Loading comments...