NCAA Basketball: Three takeaways from the Villanova, Virginia thriller

Jan 29, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Villanova Wildcats guard Josh Hart (3) and Virginia Cavaliers center Jack Salt (33) and guard Marial Shayok (4) battle for a loose ball during the first half at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /

3 of 4

Jan 29, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Virginia Cavaliers forward Isaiah Wilkins (21) celebrates with guard Ty Jerome (11) after scoring against the Villanova Wildcats Wildcats won 61-59. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Virginia is a top 10 team

We already know about Virginia’s Pack Line defense and their elite efficiency on the offensive end. However, this was a very promising game for the balance of their offensive attack.

After Austin Nichols was dismissed from the program, there were major concerns about who was going to be the sidekick to London Perrantes. As Virginia got into conference play, that continued to be the biggest question surrounding Tony Bennett’s team. Was there anyone that could help out Perrantes?

Well, I think Virginia may have found not one answer, but multiple.

On Sunday, Perrantes scored just four points and was a non-factor for the majority of the afternoon.

More from Busting Brackets

Instead, it was Ty Jerome, a freshman who is averaging 9.4 minutes per evening, Marial Shayok and Isaiah Wilkins who guided the Cavs to a near victory over the No. 1 team in the country.

Jerome, in particular, was absolutely sensational. He scored 15 points on 6-of-9 shooting, showed his ability to shoot the long-range jump shot and even sprinkled in a confident isolation play that resulted in a made layup to tie the game with 17 seconds left.

But Shayok was also phenomenal. He attacked the basket using his strong frame and solid ball handling skills, showed some shot creativity in the mid-range and even nailed a three. He finished with 14 points on 6-of-12 shooting and had just two turnovers despite occasionally initiating the offense to help push Perrantes off the ball.

And this isn’t just a one-time deal from Shayok. He has scored in double figures in four of his last five games, including a 19-point outing against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets.

Finally, Wilkins scored 12 points in a very efficient manner (6-of-6 from the floor). He finished around the rim, threw down a dunk and didn’t force anything when he got the ball on the block.

If Virginia can continue to receive a lift from all three of these players (and Kyle Guy, who has a scorer’s mentality), Virginia is a top 10 team and possibly the best team in a loaded ACC. Once again, the Wahoos have a chance to reach the Final Four.