What To / Where To: Providence vs. Villanova Preview

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Wright is Wrong. That was my calling card for the Villanova coach last season when the Friars blew his Wildcats off the floor last season at the Dunk by a final of 83-68. Since my girlfriend transferred from Villanova to Providence, the Friars are undefeated against the Wildcats, weird how that one works huh. As Cooley and Co. travel to Philly this year, the two will be playing for bragging rights, to settle who will be at the bottom of the Big East standings at the end of the night.

To say that Villanova has been disappointing this season is an understatement. They go as Maalik Wayns does. The junior guard from Philly is averaging almost 34 minutes and 18.4 points per contest. After back-to-back wins against Seton Hall and St. John’s, they have lost three straight coming into their matchup with the Friars.

WHAT TO: KNOW

Tip Off: 8:00PM EST

Opponent: Villanova (10-13, 3-8)

Location: Villanova Pavilion

Spread: Villanova -8.5

CBSSports Daily Picks: VU 77- PC 75

Four Factors:

WHAT TO: LOOK FOR

VC vs. VU: Last year at the Dunk, Council scored 16 points to go along with 8 rebounds and the same number of assists. Against Rutgers and West Virginia, Council was able to get out in the open floor and create easy scoring opportunities at the rim or on the wings. This will be one of the toughest matchups he has all year going against Wayns, but if any guard in the league can run Wayns off the floor its VC.

Pinky and the Brain: JayVaughn Pinkston (JVP) could give the Friars a matchup nightmare if he is able to put to use his 6-7, 260 lb frame. He is averaging 8.9 PPG and 5.0 RBG. When he gets to the line, Nova Nation is feeling good. He went 13-17 in a 23-point effort in their win over Seton Hall and has gone 6-8 in their last two games. Kadeem, if you are going to foul anyone, please let it not be JVP.

All A-Board: Jay Wright’s squad is 5th in the nation in rebounding at 40.6 per game. They are lead by Mouph Yarou who is a freakishly large and unorthodox player that grabs 8.3 per game. Bilal Dixon and Kadeem Batts mustn’t only rely on their hands to rebound in this one, but also be sure to put a body on Yarou and JVP. Wayns also averages 4.1 RPG, which could mean Council can’t always look to run after a shot goes up. Team rebounding will help the Friars immensely in this game.

Mo Sutton Less Problems: I have watched most of Villanova’s games this season and one consistent theme is Maurice Sutton flailing around looking more like a fish out of water than a basketball player. The more Cooley’s team sees of Sutton, the better off Dixon and Batts will be down low. They can both body up Sutton and make him commit silly fouls that will make Nova fans miss their “dope”, as prominent VU Hoops writer Ed ’77 has called him, Antonio Pena.

Tailor Made: Ed Cooley and Jay Wright are two of the most well dressed head coaches in college basketball. At times this season, they have probably wanted to take out their other TaylorMade equiptment and use it on some refs and players. For this one, lets hope their tailor’s made them something for Nova Nation and Friartown to get excited about. Prediction: Cooley will sport a grey suit with a pink shirt and tie. Jay will sport a blue pinstriped suit with a blue shirt and white tie.

WHAT TO: READ

StatSheet.com: Pregame

VU Hoops: Cooking in the Deep Friar

CBS Philly: Villanova Looks For Big East Win vs. Providence

SBNation Philly: Villanova vs. Providence Wildcats Look to Snap Three Game Skid

Sports Chat Place: Villanova vs. Providence Preview

Villanova.com: Providence to Visit Pavilion on Tuesday Night to Meet Wildcats

VU Hoops: How Does Jay Wright Stack Up

WHAT TO: WATCH

Friar Faithful storms the Dunk floor after the Friars 83-68 victory over Villanova last season.