Nova Report
The 9-10 Villanova Wildcats are in Madison Square Garden for a 7:00 pm eastern tip vs. the 13-6 St. John’s Red Storm. These teams played at Nova on 12/21 with the Cats winning 78-63. Nova’s Longino had his best game of the season both defensively and offensively (4-4, 13 points). Of course, he is out with an injury. St. John’s couldn’t hit the broad side of a barn in the second half. They also didn’t press the Nova guards.
In their last two games, the Red Storm have produced, on average, over 20 turnovers and have been playing way better on both sides of the ball. Their last game was an 11 point win at UCONN. Soriano continues to dominate their scoring (16.5 ppg) and shoots 68% in the paint. They have been receiving balanced scoring from Curbelo, Alexander, Jones and Pinzon. Lastly, they have been playing at the second fastest pace in the country.
On the Nova side, they won their last game vs Georgetown by just 4. They continue to have too many turnovers and allow teams to shoot about 64% in the paint. They DID shoot 50% from 3 last out. They need to up their game to win tonight. Everyone expects St John’s to press the Nova guards this time and drive and dish to create open looks in the paint. Will the UCONN win go to their heads? Will Nova take care of the ball? Can Dixon limit Soriano in points and rebounds? These and other questions will be answered tonight.
What Will Happen
There is no doubt the Red Storm will do whatever they can do to speed up the Cat guards. And, Nova will take the air out of the ball when they can. Having said that, if Coach Neptune wants to surprise St John’s, he has the thoroughbreds to run with in Armstrong and Whitmore. We’ll see if he does that in the second half.
Nonetheless, Nova likely to play a lot of zone and let the Red Storm try to beat them from deep. The Cats will likely have scoring opportunities inside as Coach Anderson has drilled into the Red Storm not to foul.
The line opened at St John’s-3.5, shot up to -4.5, then went back to -3.5. The total opened at 151.5 and moved to 149.5 then back to 151.5. I think we’ll see points tonight. Whether it’s breakaways on turnovers or a barrage of 3’s. The Over is the play.
My Nova Pick: Over 151 (buying hook)
Nova Pick Record: 8-11