Nova Report
The third ranked Villanova Wildcats are in Cincinnati to take on fourth ranked Xavier at 4:30. The Big East Title, a number one NCAA seeding and the extension of Nova?s not losing back to back games in over five years are on the line. Nova is -1.5/164.5.
Xavier has not lost a game since being whacked by the Cats 89-65 in Philly. In that one, Bluiett and Macura shot poorly while Phil Booth (out today for Nova) had his best offensive game of the year. Nova comes in losing 2 of 3 and in a severe shooting slump. They average 12 three pointers a game from their starters. At Providence last out they made one. They are also committing way more turnovers. At Providence, it was 20 vs their average of 10. Most notably, Brunson has been in a 3 game shooting slump. The Cats just can?t win ugly this year because they are not solid defensively.
For Xavier, Macura has been shooting poorly lately but Marshall has been picking him up. Bluiett has been his normal outstanding self.
Can Nova change it?s shooting fortunes today and reduce turnovers? If so, they will win. If not, Xavier will walk away with a #1 seed and the Big East Conference Championship.
What will happen today. The Cats 4 Freshmen have been terrible defensively and that won?t change. Paschall, back from missing a few games due to a concussion, was sluggish last out. He should be better. Brunson WILL find a way to score. I would expect DiVincenzo to bounce back too. Spellman looked uncomfortable with that face mask on. If it?s off, he?ll bounce back. I also believe Macura for Xavier will be his normal self.
I PRAY for Nova to win, but I am betting OVER 164.5.