College Basketball Power 10: Time To Give Gonzaga Some Love
By Jeremy Karll
4. Villanova (15-1)
Last week, Villanova lost its first game since March 12. Butler took down Villanova, 66-58. The Wildcats did respond with a 12-point win over Marquette and Butler isn’t a bad team, but Villanova looked unbeatable through their first 14 games.
Butler made Josh Hart uncomfortable and it affected Villanova down the stretch. The Player of the Year favorite was held to 13 points on 3-of-11 shooting from the field and 1-of-5 shooting from three.
He also recorded eight rebounds and three assists but didn’t act as Villanova’s superhero late in the game.
Villanova actually led 50-49 with 4:35 left before imploding. The Wildcats ended the game shooting 2-of-7 from the field with a pair of turnovers.
It wasn’t all on Hart, as Villanova missed a lot of open shots, however Hart has been the player to create offense for himself and others in close games this season.
Villanova might still be the best team in the nation, although, they will only go as far as Josh Hart takes them. That said, the Wildcats are on the verge of getting Phil Booth back from injury. He was an integral part to their bench last year but has only played in three games this season.
Villanova hosts Xavier and Seton Hall, while traveling to St. John’s in between.