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Big East Conference Play Set to Open Up New Years’ Eve

By Joe Albano

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What to Expect as the Premier Teams of the Big East Go Head to Head

The Big East is scheduled to send the NCAA into 2016 with a bang as its top four teams face off on New Years Eve. Here is everything you need to know going into Thursday’s match-ups.

#6 Xavier @ #17 Villanova:

The Musketeers will look to come out of the Pavilion without any blemishes on their record. Xavier is off to an impressive 12-0.

Over the course of these games, the Musketeers have consistently preformed well on both sides of the ball. Both their offense and their defense are ranked inside the top 50 in points per game.

Moreover, sophomore guard Trevon Blueitt has shown some tremendous play on the perimeter, averaging nearly 15 points per game and shooting 44.9% from deep. The Musketeers are also strapped inside with two 6-10 forwards, James Farr and Jalen Reynolds.

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If that isn’t enough to convince you that Xavier is a legit contender, the Musketeers are also ranked first in RPI and 6th overall in this week’s polls.

Villanova enters this game in a much different scenario. The reigning conference champions are seeing their recent run of dominance come to question, as they are currently 9-2 and ranked below Xavier, Butler and Providence.

Granted both of those losses were to two teams ranked in the top five, (Oklahoma and Virginia) there is some doubt as to whether or not the Wildcats will be able to handle top flight competition.

The Villanova Wildcats come in with one of the best defenses in the NCAA, holding opponents to an impressive 59.3 points per game.

The struggles in these big games have come on offense. Villanova struggled against the stout defense of Oklahoma, which does not bode well for them against the stingy Xavier defense. However, the Wildcats have seemed to improve their play every game so perhaps this will be their first major victory of the season.

Dec 19, 2015; Charlottesville, VA, USA; Villanova Wildcats guard Ryan Arcidiacono (15) shoots the ball over Virginia Cavaliers guard Marial Shayok (4) in the first half at John Paul Jones Arena. The Cavaliers won 86-75. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

Xavier Keys To Victory:

The Musketeers should look to utilize their size and skill in the post. While Villanova’s Daniel Ochefu may be a good match for either James Farr  or Jalen Reynolds, there is a clear size mismatch at the four spot with Kris Jenkins.

If Xavier can force the ball inside, they will get great scoring opportunities, wether it be from the post or kicking out to Trevon Blueitt on the outside. On defense, the Musketeers should look to play tight perimeter defense and contest shots, especially from beyond the arc.

Villanova Keys To Victory:

While Xavier may have the clear advantage inside, the Wildcats should look to exploit their opponents with speed and skill on the perimeter.

Villanova’s offense is most dangerous when Ryan Arcidiacono and Jalen Brunson are able to penetrate the lane. Their ability to beat defenders off the dribble leave Villanova with a plethora of scoring options.

Moreover, it  may draw the defense away from Daniel Ochefu, who is lethal on the offensive glass.

#9 Butler @ #10 Providence

Butler will be looking to solidify their status amongst the NCAA’s elite against a strong Providence team. The Bulldogs have notched some impressive victories this season on their way to a 10-1 start, including wins against a solid Purdue team and Cincinnati.

Dec 5, 2015; Kingston, RI, USA; Providence Friars guard Kris Dunn (3) dunks the ball against the Rhode Island Rams during the second half at Thomas M. Ryan Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports

Butler comes into this match with perhaps the most explosive offense in the NCAA, as all of their starters are averaging double digit points. The Bulldogs are also shooting an astonishing 51.7% from the field.

Providence comes into this game with more or less the same aim as Butler. A win against a top 10 opponent would greatly help the Friars, as they have shown to be inconsistent as of late, squeaking out wins against Rider, Bryant and Rhode Island.

However, it is important to remember that this is also the same team that took down Arizona and played top ranked Michigan State right down to the wire. Furthermore, with AP Player of the Year candidate Kris Dunn back in action, one would expect a better performance from the Friars.

Butler Keys to Victory:

The Bulldogs should look to continue their superb offense by creating good ball movement. Many of the Bulldogs points come off of assists.

They should also look to attack the basket, as much of their success can be accredited to attempting about 25 feet throws per game. Butler should look to avoid playing with the ball on the perimeter, as Kris Dunn is averaging three steals per game and turnovers would set back the otherwise potent Bulldog offense.

On the defensive side, the Bulldogs need to focus on Ben Bentil and Kris Dunn. Much of the Friars’ offense runs through these two, and for a good reason. Bentil has proven to be a deadly scorer, from inside the arc as well as behind it.

The raw athleticism of Kris Dunn may also prove to be an issue, as Butler does not have a true lockdown defender who may be able to handle arguably the best backcourt player in the NCAA.

Providence Keys to Victory: 

The major roadblock standing between the Friars and victory is their defense. Fortunately, the cause for this is not necessarily a lack of quality defense possessed by the Friars, but rather the machine that is the Butler offense.

Butler is able to score at such a high rate due to their ability to run their offensive sets to perfection.

If Providence wants to win this match-up, it is crucial that they utilize their athleticism on defense. The Friars may want to consider switching to full-court and trapping man sets to disrupt the Butler offense.

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Zone defense should not even be an option, as the Butler offense moves the ball like clockwork and will exploit the vulnerability of a zone. If Providence can contain the dangerous Butler offense, then they may be able to knock off the Bulldogs.

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