Busting Brackets
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NCAA Basketball: Three takeaways from the Villanova, Virginia thriller

By Carmine Carcieri

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
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 /
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Jan 29, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Villanova Wildcats guard Mikal Bridges (25) dribbles against the Virginia Cavaliers during the second half at Wells Fargo Center. The Villanova Wildcats won 61-59. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 29, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Villanova Wildcats guard Mikal Bridges (25) dribbles against the Virginia Cavaliers during the second half at Wells Fargo Center. The Villanova Wildcats won 61-59. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Mikal Bridges’ play gives Villanova promise in the long term

Villanova has multiple things working for them: they don’t seem to lose close games because of their experience, they have multiple stars and their balance is undeniable.

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Jay Wright’s squad may not have the depth that they have featured in year’s past (with Phil Booth out they have just seven true rotation players), but they still have numerous players that can beat you.

Donte DiVencenzo continues to develop into a gem for Wright and Fordham transfer Eric Paschall has been very good as a small ball five. However, Mikal Bridges was the most impressive role player on Sunday.

Bridges scored 15 points on 6-of-9 shooting. He was active on both ends of the floor, knocked down long-range shots and was a reliable, experienced player that Villanova could go to with Josh Hart and Kris Jenkins struggling to knock down shots.

And that is the biggest takeaway of this game. Villanova has some concerns (all teams do as mentioned previously), but they were able to defeat one of the best teams in the best conference in basketball despite Hart and Jenkins’ poor play. Those two guys aren’t going to be in a slump forever, so it’s monumental that guys like Bridges and DiVencenzo are gaining confidence and steam as we approach February.

Next: Bennie Boatwright to return next week?

Villanova knows how to win basketball games. And that’s why they will be a top five team yet again in the AP Poll on Monday.