The #8 Villanova Wildcats face the #9 Utah State Aggies on Thursday March 20, at 3:10 PM EST on TNT. The winner of this game will face the winner of the Arizona/Long Island game.
Villanova’s road to the tournament
Villanova went 24-8 and finished 3rd in the regular season in the Big East. Five of their loses came against ranked opponents (BYU, Michigan, UConn twice, and St. John’s). Despite not beating a ranked team, the Wildcats had winning streaks of 7, 5, and 6.
Utah State’s Road to the tournament
The Aggies started the season 7-0 before dropping their first game. They then won eight in a row to move to 15-1. After back-to-back loses, Utah State would win its next eight games. They then lost three out of the next four before going on a current four game winning streak. The Aggies won the Mountain West in the regular season and the Mountain West Tournament. Utah State didn’t play a ranked team this season.
Keys to the game
Villanova will have to adjust as forward Matt Hodge is out. The Wildcats have five players who average double figures in points. If it comes down to free throws Villanova is averaging 69%. Utah State has two players averaging double figures and free throws have been an issue as well. Utah State has the advantage in every stat. Will they be able to slow down Villanova’s balanced attack. On the flip side, MJ Collins and Mason Falslev will look to go off on the Wildcats.
Villanova Season Leaders
Points: Tyler Perkins; 13.7
Rebounds: Duke Brennan; 10.3
Assists: Acaden Lewis; 5.2
Utah State Season Leaders
Points: MJ Collins; 17.6
Rebounds: Mason Falslev; 5.8
Assists: Drake Allen; 4.7
Verdict
Eight vs nine games can go either way. After missing the tournament for a couple of years, Villanova doesn’t want to be one and done and they won’t.
Villanova 73-Utah State 70.
(image Credit: Mateo Cervantes, Utah State University)
