Villanova Basketball: 3 keys to success at home against Xavier in 2018-19

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VILLANOVA, PA – JANUARY 08: Shamorie Ponds #2 of the St. John’s Red Storm drives to the basket against Phil Booth #5 of the Villanova Wildcats in the first half at Finneran Pavilion on January 8, 2019 in Villanova, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /

3. Continue playing solid defense

Villanova has been very good defensively this season, allowing teams to score 66.7 points per game on 43.6% from the field and they will need to continue that trend against Xavier if they want to come away with a win. In their 13 wins, the Wildcats have allowed just 64 points per game, while that number jumps to 75 in their four losses.

During their current five-game winning streak, teams have scored 66.8 points per game and, against a Xavier team that scores 73.8 points per game, the Wildcats will need to continue their strong defensive effort. If the Musketeers get close to their season average, it leaves Villanova with little wiggle room, only averaging 75.4 points themselves.

That defensive intensity for Villanova must also apply to the 3-point line where, on the season, they allow teams to shoot 35%, which is good because Xavier shoots the 3-pointer at under 32% on the year.

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If Villanova wants to stay atop the conference, they will have to keep Xavier below 70 points and not allow them to get to the rim and to the free throw line, where the Musketeers like to live. Using their aggressive defense and forcing Xavier to make jump shots is the best way to keep them at arm’s length.