VILLANOVA WILDCATS
 Coach: Jay Wright  |  Record: 25-4

 
Overview: It's been more than 20 years since Villanova stunned Georgetown and claimed the program's only national title. The Wildcats have hovered in the top five of the rankings all season long, making this team a very real threat to add another title banner to the rafters of The Pavilion. Nobody's been able to solve Jay Wright's four guard lineup with any measure of success this season. Seniors Randy Foye and Allan Ray really make this scheme work on the offensive end, with each players scoring average hovering around 20 a game.

Potential Difference Maker: Sophomore Kyle Lowry is the versatile type of player needed to really make Wright's schemes work. He can put it on the floor and get to the basket, but he's also a very effective defender on the perimeter. The 6'1" guard ranks third on the team with 4.6 rebounds per game, adds 3.9 assists a game and is collecting a Big East-leading 2.4 steals per game.

On Offense: They spread the defense out giving their guards a lot of room to work. You have to respect them all as shooters which makes it difficult to sink in and stop their penetration, because they will kill you from the outside.

On Defense: They are a very aggressive defensive team and really help and recover as well as anyone in the country. You almost always need to know where Kyle Lowery is on defense. They will guard 94 feet and do a lot of half-court trapping.

Strength: They have the most explosive guards in the country off of the dribble. They also are athletic inside and play with great chemistry and toughness.

Weakness: You can beat them inside like Pitt did in the Big East Tournament. They are not a big team.

Key to Success: They need Allen Ray’s shooting, so if he is not 100% that could change this team’s dynamic. Their big group of seniors has to stay away from getting too anxious in the tough moments which could lead to bad shots. They have to rebound well and their guards have to get into the paint.

How to Beat Them: Take care of the basketball, so they don’t get easy baskets. Rebound the basketball well and try to keep their guards out of the paint – It is a challenge.