Nova Report
Elite Eight time for the Wildcats. At 6:09 eastern Villanova takes on the Houston Cougars in San Antonio for a spot in the Final Four. Houston is -2.5/127.5.
The Cougars took down UAB, Illinois and Arizona to arrive here. They are by far the best defensive team left in the Tournament. They defend everything well and block shots in bunches. They are also the best offensive rebounding team in the Tournament. Offensively, they seem to be improving at the right time. The backcourt of Shead and Edwards have been money both defensively and offensively. And, of course, they have a 6?11? beast protecting the rim. They play slowly, don?t turn the ball over and hit free throws. Other than that?.
For the Cats, they have improved in each game since the Big East Tournament began. They are probably the second best defensive team left. They rebound, guard and score by committee. They don?t get rattled and are the best free throw shooting club in the country. Both clubs have similar cultures whereby it?s defense first. If there?s a loose ball on the court, we may seem 10 players diving after it. Points will be at a premium. Each possession will be meaningful.
What Will Happen: The only weakness Houston has is they foul a lot. Nova will need to get on the line as often as possible. Houston will tightly guard the 3 which will make the Cats search for other shots. Houston will definitely attempt to score in the paint. They unusually hit 9 3?s vs. Arizona at a 45% clip. Nova won?t allow that. Houston will pressure Nova?s guards in an attempt to cause turnovers. That also increases the risk of fouling. There is no doubt this one will come down to the last minute of play. Who will make the clutch shot?
My Pick: At crunch time, no one is better on either team then Gillespie. Villanova +2.5 is my play.
My Nova Pick Record: 15-20-1