College Basketball Power 10: Big 12 Continues To Dominate
By Jeremy Karll
2. Villanova (18-1)
Villanova responded to their first loss of the season with four straight wins. The Wildcats have beaten Marquette, Xavier, St. John’s and Seton Hall over the past couple of weeks by an average of 20 points.
It’s safe to say that one loss did not rattle a veteran team like Villanova. They’ve gone back to playing team basketball and winning with defense while leaning on the play of Josh Hart and Jalen Brunson offensively.
In fact. Hart and Brunson combined for 24 points, nine assists, six rebounds and four steals on Monday night in their win over Seton Hall. Hart is a Wooden Award frontrunner and Brunson continues to prove why he’s one of the best under-the-radar point guards in the nation.
The one road block Villanova could run into this year is re-implementing Phil Booth back in their rotation.
He’s played in three games this season, along with being a vital part of their championship run a season ago, but is still inching his way back to being healthy enough to play again this season.
While the Wildcats haven’t ruled him out for the year, it could be more hurtful than helpful to have him return. Booth is a solid contributor off the bench, however there is a chance he ruins their rotation late in the season.
Villanova’s only game this week is at home against the Providence Friars.