Nova Report
The 7-2 Villanova Wildcats are on campus to battle the 5-5 Pitt Panthers. Nova is -10/136.5. Tip is 4:30 pm eastern on TruTV.
The Panthers have lost 4 of 5 with their win being a buzzer beater over Ohio State. They lost their last game at home to Hofstra. They shot lights out in the second half to make the game close after being stone cold in the first half. Corhen is their 6’10” go to player at 14 ppg and 9 boards. Brandin Cummings tosses in 13 ppg and went off for 34 in their loss vs Hofstra. Demarco Minor is their defensive specialist and averages 6 ppg. Pitt is an above average defensive club, below average offensively and on the glass.
Villanova got wiped out Tuesday by 28 by Michigan. They were outrebounded by 20 and outscored in the paint by 35. They couldn’t match Michigan’s size and physicality. Pitt isn’t in that league and the Cats should bounce back here. They should shoot better, dominate the boards and create turnovers. Lewis will control the pace, the 3 point shooting will be there and they will guard the 3 better.
Pitt got beat badly in their only true road game. Though I think they are better than their record, this is a tough match up for them. They’ll test Nova’s perimeter defense but more likely go inside to Corhen and try to get Nova’s Duke Brennan out of the game. Wildcats roll.
Nova Pick: Cats-10
Nova Pick Record:4-4-1