Villanova-Creighton

[MackNova]

Been waiting for someone else to post this thread since I haven't been posting long (though I joined a while back and have lurked some since).

The game loses some of its luster after Creighton's loss (not that I'm upset by it), but it's still an interesting game.

I have a strange feeling Villanova handles Creighton fairly easily before losing to Marquette and then facing a dogfight later in the season in Omaha. Not sure Creighton is ready for a team that is athletic, deep and can pressure them offensively. Creighton will have to move the ball effectively, which it has been able to do or much of the year. Its ability to shoot the three is certainly alarming, especially with a team that is better guarding the interior. 45% of Creighton's shots are behind the arc. If Creighton is hot from downtown, this is a very difficult game obviously.

However, I think Creighton will have a very difficult time with Villanova's offense. I expect Pinkston to have a big game for Nova offensively, feeding the post. Outside of him, the Cats usually take smart shots, often threes, or drive to the line. I'm not used to saying "smart shots" as a Villanova fan, but they do for the most part. I think Villanova will get easier shots than Creighton for the majority of the game, and that will be the difference.

Really excited for this game. As a Villanova fan, I miss playing big games all the time. Five Big East games in, and none of our opponents have any chance of making damage in March (though Providence at least has a chance of making it). This is the first truly big conference game Villanova has had, as weird as it sounds since it comes against Creighton.

I hope Creighton is still ranked Monday, so it's a ranked battle. McDermott obviously scares me, but I think Villanova is clearly the superior basketball team and playing at home.

Villanova 87
Creighton 76

Curious to hear Creighton's fans thoughts on the game, especially since I know I'm outnumbered on this board.

[Jet915]

If we play like we did against Butler, this will be a close competitive game. If the team that played yesterday shows up again, the one that shot 21% from 3 and got outrebounded, we will get stomped. That's about it.

[GumbyDamnit!]

Been looking forward to this one for some time. Hoping the Cats can continue to play like beasts at home (although it will be off campus at the WF Center). Not being in the Pavilion may help CU's chances, though we did beat L'ville, G'twn and Syr there last year. Hoping both play their A games so we can see who is the top dog in the league.

[Westbrook36]

The Bluejay team that played X & Butler, scares the bejesus out of everyone. That team is next to impossible to beat, the one that just played PC ...

[Jet915]

Been looking forward to this one for some time. Hoping the Cats can continue to play like beasts at home (although it will be off campus at the WF Center). Not being in the Pavilion may help CU's chances, though we did beat L'ville, G'twn and Syr there last year. Hoping both play their A games so we can see who is the top dog in the league.

Creighton actually played at the WF Center last year in the NCAA tourney against Cincinnati and Duke (I was there). So atleast they should be somewhat familiar with place. I sure hope Creighton can make this a competitive game.

[gosports1]

it will be interesting to see how Creighton responds. I could see them getting riled up and coming out hard against Villanova. Ithink it will be close since Nova is doing so well. If Ragge(sp?) was his usual 3 point shooter self creighton would have won. I imagine he'll be back to form tomorrow

[Jet915]

it will be interesting to see how Creighton responds. I could see them getting riled up and coming out hard against Villanova. Ithink it will be close since Nova is doing so well. If Ragge(sp?) was his usual 3 point shooter self creighton would have won. I imagine he'll be back to form tomorrow

Last couple of years, Wragge was very streaky, there would be stretches of games where he couldn't miss and then a few games where he was way off. Up until yesterday, he's been very consistently good throughout the year, let's hope that continues.

[Bill Marsh]

Despite the Creighton loss to PC, I expect a fairly close game.

I'm guessing that Providence benefitted from a long plane flight and all the other stuff that goes along with travel. For their sake, I hope they didn't plan a bus trip to Philly. A short plane flight shouldn't hurt them and they may have adjusted and settled down by tomorrow night. My hunch is that the Creighton kids will be fired up after last night's shellacking as well as by the opportunity to play the conference's #1 team. I expect them to bring their "A" game.

[handdownmandown]

Here's the thing: this is who CU is.

I don't want to take anything away from Providence because they played a stellar game, but this was one of our 'off' games. Wragge and Doug had several very nice open looks and missed almost all of them, while Providence shot at a rate that was much improved over their seasonal rate, and there you have it.

Games like this show up now and then for us.

[Bluejay]

I hate that the luster is taken off of the match-up, but Providence deserved to win that one.

I didn't like our chances against Nova at Nova before Providence and I don't like them now. I liked our chances against Nova in Omaha before the game yesterday and still like them now.

Road games is where we truly miss Grant Gibbs. He's Creighton's leader, he's always been a coach on the floor and has a tremendous way of calming everyone down when things aren't going well. Especially against Nova and their press, I think Gibbs' absence will be felt.