Much needed win

[Big Papi]

Villanova is a very good team and we needed to hit our free throws to win.  Lots of interesting and a bit unusual moments in this game.

Found it funny that just before ESPN crew signed on McDonough, Rafferty and Bilas all did a little fist bump with each other.  Couldn't help but think of the Bud commercial where fist bumping was out and face slapping was in.

This was Hayward's coming out party.  Hit some 3s, finished around the hoop and grab some great rebounds.  his 3 point shot is a little to slow but hopefully he will continue to gain confidence here at the end of the season.

Thought James played a very solid game and only made a couple of questionable decisions.  Need him for the stretch run.

McNeal had some great drives tonight.

I thought the crowd was going to kill the refs at about 6 min mark or so with some of the calls that went against us.  Definitely got the crowd into the game.

Reynolds is going to be a heck of a player.

Cubillan did a heck of a job against Reynolds.

Cubillan, Hayward and James all hit some big shots when we were down 9 in the first half.

Our rebounding in the first ten minutes was pathetic.

We looked very shaky breaking the press, especially inthe second half.  It looked worse in person than when i watched the game on tv but it was far from good considering we have guard oriented lineup.

And finally how about those free throws.  Burke was the only one that looked uncomfortable at the line.  The rest looked relaxed and the shots were pure.  Here is hoping we have turned the corner on free throws as almost all of the players seem to have the ability to be good foul shooters.  I am thinking it is more mental than anything else.  We lose a game on free throw shooting and now we win one.

[drewm88]

I don't know if any remember this play too well, but it really stuck out in my mind. First half, one of Nova's guards tried to squeeze through a couple of ours on the right wing. Lazar emerged with the ball and was headed down the court, only to get called back with a foul on Cubillan.
It was such a disappointment because the crowd was pretty loud at that point, and a steal and thunderous dunk (which of course was coming, I could see Lazar's eyes get big from my seat) would have made it erupt. Add to all that the fact that Lazar is the best when it comes to playing to the students. (Yells, fist pumps, etc.)
Just something I remembered, something that got me really, really excited for a second.

[CTWarrior]

I don't know if any remember this play too well, but it really stuck out in my mind. First half, one of Nova's guards tried to squeeze through a couple of ours on the right wing. Lazar emerged with the ball and was headed down the court, only to get called back with a foul on Cubillan.

You are absolutley right, drew.  If we had lost that was one of the plays you'd look back on and say was huge.  THat was as clean a steal as you'll see.

[mugrad99]

I wouldn't be too surprised if Reynolds declares after this year, if Nova makes it to the NCAA and he plays well

[Wade for President]

No way does Reynolds declare after this year.  I know the guard prospects are low, but just not ready to make the jump.  I don't see him any better then DJ as a freshman, and DJ wasn't ready then (and isn't ready now in my opinion).

Makings of a good player.  What sets DJ apart from Reynolds (besides the fact Scottie's shot is 10 times better), is DJ has speed, jumping ability, see's the floor better, etc.

If I were a betting man, Reynolds plays another 2 years.  Still has plenty to improve on.