Villanova

[tower912]

Much more dynamic, much more versatile, extends defense, shoots the 3.   MU has seen Villanova enough over the years to know Jay Wright's style and game plan.   They are going to extend pressure on defense, use lots of guard/wing switchables, attack with their guards, shoot the 3.   Pinkston continues to be a beast.    Plus, they are .....ummmm.... shall we say irked about getting embarrassed at home.    So, what does MU have to do?    First, get lots of help from lots of places.   Second, less Oxtule as a combo.   A healthy STjr will help.    MU has to play as good a defensive game as they have all year, not getting caught in switches and leaving shooters all alone at the 3 pt line.  Help and recover.   Offensively, be able to handle the ball pressure, the likely press, and make Nova pay.    There isn't any real mystery, just like there wasn't any mystery about G-town was going to do.    Hold onto the ball, play good defense, ride the home crowd.   Fairly simple.    If only. 

[Windyplayer]

If you want responses to your post, make sure they're less complete moving forward.

[robmufan]

Going to agree with the less "oxtule" combinations. If we are going to play a 2-3 zone, Davante is just way too slow getting out to the wing leaving guys with many good looks! I think it will take an off shooting day by 'Nova for us to have a chance!

[Nukem2]

Going to agree with the less "oxtule" combinations. If we are going to play a 2-3 zone, Davante is just way too slow getting out to the wing leaving guys with many good looks! I think it will take an off shooting day by 'Nova for us to have a chance!

Oxtule will not work against Nova.

[tower912]

Agreed.  Nova doesn't use enough post players and neither CO nor DG can chase a slashing, 3 pt shooting wing all over.   Could be an opportunity for Deonte (less height discrepancy issues), STjr (though I worry about his perimeter D, too) or Juan to step up and play important minutes. 

[willie warrior]

Oxtule will not work against Nova.

So..who does Buzz bench?

[muwarrior69]

It seems every year, when we played them twice, we always play them first at home.

[PGsHeroes32]

So..who does Buzz bench?

The one he benches pretty much every game.

[Texas Western]

Much more dynamic, much more versatile, extends defense, shoots the 3.   MU has seen Villanova enough over the years to know Jay Wright's style and game plan.   They are going to extend pressure on defense, use lots of guard/wing switchables, attack with their guards, shoot the 3.   Pinkston continues to be a beast.    Plus, they are .....ummmm.... shall we say irked about getting embarrassed at home.    So, what does MU have to do?    First, get lots of help from lots of places.   Second, less Oxtule as a combo.   A healthy STjr will help.    MU has to play as good a defensive game as they have all year, not getting caught in switches and leaving shooters all alone at the 3 pt line.  Help and recover.   Offensively, be able to handle the ball pressure, the likely press, and make Nova pay.    There isn't any real mystery, just like there wasn't any mystery about G-town was going to do.    Hold onto the ball, play good defense, ride the home crowd.   Fairly simple.    If only. 

STJ adds a completely different dimension to our offense, he is a very active and has a decent mid range jumper. I like him and Davante in the lineup at the same time. It also allows Jamil to be in his more natural role as a supporting player. The home crowd will be very important. The experience of dealing defensively with the two strong G-Town guards should be a positive one we can build off of. Derrick should only be in the game in defensive situations and limited minutes at that. He understands that role and does it well.  

[TAMU, Knower of Ball]

I actually think there could be situations where Oxtule is appropriate. When Pinkston is at the 4 and Ochefu is at the 5, Oxtule could be out there without any defensive downside. Pinkston is slow enough and little enough of a three point threat for Davante to guard. He makes his living pushing around undersized stretch 4s. Putting a big body on him while Otule handles Ochefu would not be the worst idea.

But if Steve can repeat, I want that high low connection all day long

[robmufan]

It seems every year, when we played them twice, we always play them first at home.

And usually it is on New Years Day at 10 AM. Glad that trend is over!

[MU82]

As Creighton showed, all we have to do to beat Villanova is make 21 treys.

No sweat!