Villanova down by 6 9 minutes into the game. I’m seeing a number of defensive breakdowns by the Wildcats, which I’m not liking. Time out right now, so we’ll see if Willard is going to tighten that up.

Oops, coming out of the timeout, Willard comments in the sideline interview about defensive breakdowns on the last 8 points. Now the commentators are talking about it.

Non all-sports P4/BE teams I would not want to play in the tourney:

Utah State
Northern Iowa
Miami (O)
Saint Louis
VCU

Up 6 now and had it at 10. Shaping up to be a good game

When Askew made the steal with the score tied at 67, followed by the Perkins 3 to give Villanova the lead, I thought they had seized momentum. It had been such a high pressure game as the teams had been matching baskets for some time that I thought that when someone made a mistake, it would swing control of the game. Little did I know that it was the beginning of the end for Villanova. Over the next several minutes, they were outscored 13-3 and it was lights out. Poor shot selection and unnecessary fouls down the stretch were killers.

Villanova really had done a lot of things right up until that last stretch. They hit 47% from 3 and held UT St to 2-12 from 3, making 12 more 3’s and thereby out scoring UT St by 12 points from the floor. That should have been a winning formula, but they were outscored by 22 points from the FT line and that was the game. So many of those were just dumb fouls which were completely unnecessary and handed their opponent additional scoring opportunities. UT St took advantage by hitting 78% from the FT line. And they repeatedly missed layups and assorted other shots close to the basket.

So frustrating. This is a game that Villanova should have won. Maybe it’s because they didn’t have Big East refs.

(03-20-2026 05:55 PM)Bill Marsh Wrote:  When Askew made the steal with the score tied at 67, followed by the Perkins 3 to give Villanova the lead, I thought they had seized momentum. It had been such a high pressure game as the teams had been matching baskets for some time that I thought that when someone made a mistake, it would swing control of the game. Little did I know that it was the beginning of the end for Villanova. Over the next several minutes, they were outscored 13-3 and it was lights out. Poor shot selection and unnecessary fouls down the stretch were killers.

Villanova really had done a lot of things right up until that last stretch. They hit 47% from 3 and held UT St to 2-12 from 3, making 12 more 3’s and thereby out scoring UT St by 12 points from the floor. That should have been a winning formula, but they were outscored by 22 points from the FT line and that was the game. So many of those were just dumb fouls which were completely unnecessary and handed their opponent additional scoring opportunities. UT St took advantage by hitting 78% from the FT line. And they repeatedly missed layups and assorted other shots close to the basket.

So frustrating. This is a game that Villanova should have won. Maybe it’s because they didn’t have Big East refs.

They definitely committed some dumb fouls but I thought they got a really poor whistle too. Just as an example, do you remember when Brennan got a rebound, was clearly smacked so hard he lost his balance, but nothing was called so he ended up throwing the ball away trying not to travel from the impact? Also looked like Utah State got away with a lot of contact on reaches but Nova wasn't afforded the same leeway, leading to some of the dumb fouls.

Regardless they had a chance to pull the W out and let it slip away. Oh well, was always going to be an uphill battle without Hodge. Especially playing Arizona round 2.

St Johns looking dominant makes up for it a bit I think

If Nova makes shoots 47% on 16 made threes, and Utah St. only makes two, shooting 12%, Nova shouldn't lose by double digits. Pathetic how they couldn't get back on defense in time ( fast break points were 14-2 Utah St.), and made so many stupid mistakes particularly fouling three point shooters. Obviously it was a better season than the past three under Neptune, but losing the last two to Georgetown and Utah St. leaves kind of a bad taste.

Johnnies looked good, and UConn is up nine right now, need both of them to make a deep run.

If it’s any consolation, T’Will, I believe that they would have won both of those games with a healthy Hodge. An Achilles tear is such a cruel twist of fate. I speak from personal experience.

There’s a lot to look forward to for next year as Villanova should be one of the favorites to win the Big East. You have a great coach. Despite the loss of Brennan and Askew, four starters are returning and recruiting is off to a good start. A lot of positives going forward.

I didn't see the game. The only thing I know about Utah State is that the program annually offers quality teams.