Nova Game thread Will X change history

[muskieman]

Time to win one in Philly 8 times there and an 0-8 record for the Muskies. Zip-em-up and put coffin nails in Nova's hopes and dreams. But more importantly, get that idea that they can't win in Philly and bury it deep with a road win. Villanova is 7-7, but their offensive stats make them look like a better team, why? The reason is this is not the defensive team like that guy named Jay Wright would put on the floor. They are not good on off-ball screens, and while they will pack it in down low, there will be good chances for open threes, so maybe Souley can make them pay.

While they have Cam Whitmore their all-everything freshman, they will still be missing Justin Moore who always found a three against Xavier when Nova needed it. They still have Eric Dixon their wide-body big guy that also can step out and shoot the three.

[Xavier2005]

This NOT the Nova of old. NOT the same seasoned OLD winning Coach. NOT the same OLD seasoned team. All bets are off based on old stats and personnel. Either team can win, so it is who is going to execute their own game plan and win it?

[kyzrex]

It may not be the same old coach, or all of the same old players, but it’s still Villanova, AT Villanova. X hasn’t yet figured out how to win there. None of these players, or the coaches, have won a game there. They really need this win to get over the mental hurdle. Especially since the coaches and players for Villanova have changed. If they don’t, then Nova will continue to be mental block no matter who is playing for them. X needs to know that they CAN win there and that Nova ISN’T unbeatable. They can only do that by actually beating them there. It’s kind of like the Dayton deal, but in reverse.

[PT71]

A bud and I will be at the game...in fact, he and I have taken in Big East games at ALL of the away venues. We have never had a better opportunity to defeat Nova away, other than this year! Will be rooting for the Muskies...need to hear an "echo" from Cincy....hope there are other alumni there! My nephew, a 2012 grad, is there already...we will meet up at the "Xavier bar" before game...report back later...GO MUSKIES!

[Anti-Homer]

Villanova was missing two of their best players to start the year and is acclimating to a new coach, in the same system. I haven’t seen them play more than a whole half cumulatively, but Whitmore is supposedly not only one of the best freshmen, but also one of the best players in the country. Nova has been playing great as they get healthier, and as Neptune gets more familiar with them. They are 6-2 in their last 8, including wins against the Johnnies, OKL, and BC (who beat Duke). They also lost nail-biters against Marquette & Conn.

X is way, overachieving, and is a dog in this game according to Sagarin (+2). Not surprising, especially when you consider two of the best teams in the country, Texas and Kansas, are only 3 and 1.5 pt Favs playing away against good, not great teams today in the Big 12. X has another height advantage in the post, and Miller will expertly exploit this as he did against UConn. I expect another game down to the wire. Nova’s efficiency at the line is scary. My two biggest concerns are Nova's crafty big, Dixon, getting Nunge into foul trouble, and Whitmore going off, a la Ja Morant. If X minimizes their fouling, goes to the line a lot, and hits in the 75% range, they win.

[Kevin Reilly]

Villanova is going down. I am surprised that you think we are way overachieving. We have a very good squad. Four of our starters could start for almost any team. We have a top five coach and a bunch of players who have played a lot .Nova is good and have had our number for ever but that is going to change starting today. We are starting to play better defense and taking better care of the ball. We might have two Big East first team players. I don't think we have over achieved at all. We have a very good offense. Xavier will win today.

[Kevin Reilly]

Boum has 5 rebounds already. Jones needs to be more aggressive and Nunge needs to hold his legs better. They can score at the basket if they gather themselves stronger.

[Kevin Reilly]

We have to dig down and fight thru their pushing. they are knocking us off balance. Jones needs to trust himself and go hard at Daniels. We need to meet their physical play.

[XU_2011]

Good discipline to end the half. NOVA gets into the bonus early but doesn't get a single trip to the line after that.

[Kevin Reilly]

Nunge really needs to step it up and hold his ground. Getting pushed around too easily. We are the better team just need to match their scrappy play. Happy to see Boum get a couple baskets. Boum already has 7 rebounds. Claude did a nice job when he was in. Keep lookintg inside and driving the ball.