We’ve reached the part of the season when Villanova starts to see Big East opponents for a second time, and we’ve got a pretty good feel for who teams are and what they do. So we’ll take a bit of a different approach when looking at these rematches. Rather than a deep dive into what the opponent does and how to attack them, we’ll look at what has changed and what has stayed the same since the last meeting, using the previous game preview as reference.
In the first meeting, ‘Nova defeated Marquette 100-90, rebounding from a loss to Butler in the previous game. While the 90 points surrendered wouldn’t normally indicate a good defensive performance, the circumstances prove that it was. Marquette is one of the better offensive teams in the country, with a trio of players that can punish opponents. Villanova did a solid job on that trio. Markus Howard scored 37 but required 27 shots to do so. Sam Hauser was held to 13 points, while Andrew Rowsey got just six. The ‘Cats held Marquette to 47% from the field and 36% from three. Villanova’s execution was much better than it had been in the previous two games, and this performance helped set the stage for a return to the kind of defense that has become expected from the ‘Cats.
Offensively, ‘Nova exploited a poor Marquette defense to reach the 100-point mark. Six Wildcats scored in double figures, led by Jalen Brunson’s 27 and Eric Paschall’s 19. ‘Nova shot 56% from the floor and 41% from three. ‘Nova committed just seven turnovers.
What’s Stayed The Same
Marquette still relies heavily on the trio of Howard, Rowsey and Hauser. Howard and Rowsey continue to average over 20 points per game. That group remains lethal from the free throw line. Sacar Anim (who had 14 in the previous meeting) is the next leading scorer at just 5.9 per game.
The Golden Eagles continue to be very good in virtually every offensive situation outside of offensive rebounding, as they still struggle on the glass, averaging just 32.7 boards per game. Marquette outrebounded ‘Nova 39-30 in the last meeting, and it would be good to see an improvement from the ‘Cats in this area on Sunday.
The blueprint for beating Marquette remains the same. Limit Howard, Rowsey and Hauser as much as possible and try to make the rest of the rotation beat you. Challenge everything on the perimeter. Keep the big three off the free throw line. And limit turnovers.
What’s Changed
Marquette entered the first meeting with an 11-4 record and a 2-1 mark in the Big East. The Golden Eagles have since gone 2-3 including the loss to ‘Nova, entering Sunday at 13-7 and 4-4 in the Big East. They have gone from a half game ahead of Villanova in the conference standings to two and a half games behind, sitting in a tie for sixth. They got an impressive win over Seton Hall following the loss to ‘Nova, but then have a victory over DePaul sandwiched between a loss to Butler and a demolition at the hands of Xavier their last time out.
The Marquette defense is still bad and could be included in the “what’s stayed the same” section, but somehow it has gotten slightly worse since the last meeting. The Golden Eagles were allowing 75.2 points per game heading into the last meeting, and that number has risen to 76.3 despite giving up just 52 to DePaul. Butler got 94 and Xavier got 89.
Miscellaneous/Conclusion
‘Nova knows what to expect from Marquette. The Golden Eagles are a talented offensive team who can be lethal when they get it going from three or when they get to the line. ‘Nova will need to guard the perimeter and play disciplined defense. Controlling the boards and taking the care of the ball will be important as well, as to not give Marquette extra chances to put the ball in the basket.
The ‘Cats should be able to get what they want offensively.
Villanova will be expected to win the game. KenPom currently predicts a nine-point ‘Nova victory. But things can go off the rails quickly against a team with the offensive ability that Marquette has, so focus and commitment defensively will be key. ‘Nova will remember the blown lead that led to a defeat at Marquette last season, so they should be expected to be ready to play.
Road wins against quality opponents are incredibly important, particularly in conference. Phil Booth’s absence serves to increase the importance for Villanova, as every win the ‘Cats can get with Booth out will be huge, both in terms of confidence and for their position in March. The upcoming schedule adds some importance as well, with tough games with Creighton and Seton Hall waiting next week. Setting the tone with a good road win will be big.
It will be another stiff test for the Wildcats, and it will be up to them to go handle business.
The game will air on Fox at 1.
