NCAA Basketball: Villanova's struggles, 2K Classic outcomes and other takeaways

NCAA Basketball: Villanova’s struggles, 2K Classic outcomes and other takeaways

By Brian Rauf | Nov 18, 2018

VILLANOVA, PA - NOVEMBER 14: The Villanova Wildcats bench looks on in the final moments of the game against the Michigan Wolverines at Finneran Pavilion on November 14, 2018 in Villanova, Pennsylvania. Michigan defeated Villanova 73-46. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /

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NEW YORK, NEW YORK – NOVEMBER 16: The Iowa Hawkeyes huddle before the championship game against the Connecticut Huskies during the 2K Empire Classic at Madison Square Garden on November 16, 2018 in New York City. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images) /

NCAA Basketball is now in full swing with the start of the early season tournaments. What are the biggest takeaways from this week’s action?

We haven’t even hit Thanksgiving yet but it already feels like we are in the heart of the college basketball season.

Early season tournaments have started and have given us several high-profile games, and that will continue into the next week. Iowa made a major statement by winning the 2K Empire Classic, while Alabama slipped up against Northeastern in the Charleston Classic, and both UCF and Western Kentucky picked up key wins in the Myrtle Beach Invitational.

However, the story of the week was Villanova, who lost by 27 to Michigan and followed that up with an overtime loss to Furman. The defending national champs appear to be reeling, and we’ll touch on their problems later on.

Also worth noting on Furman – the Paladins now have true road wins over Loyola-Chicago and Villanova on their resume, giving them victories over two of last season’s Final Four teams. They’re now not only one of the favorites in the SoCon but have to be considered for a spot in the top 25.

What else did we learn from the past week of college basketball? Here are my eight biggest takeaways from the past week in this edition of the Rauf Report.

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