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Saint Mary’s Basketball: Three keys to upsetting Villanova

By Connor Hope

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - MARCH 12: The Saint Mary's Gaels mascot and cheerleaders line up on the court before the championship game of the West Coast Conference basketball tournament between the Gaels and the Gonzaga Bulldogs at the Orleans Arena on March 12, 2019 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Gaels defeated the Bulldogs 60-47. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - MARCH 12: The Saint Mary's Gaels mascot and cheerleaders line up on the court before the championship game of the West Coast Conference basketball tournament between the Gaels and the Gonzaga Bulldogs at the Orleans Arena on March 12, 2019 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Gaels defeated the Bulldogs 60-47. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) /
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LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – MARCH 11: Malik Fitts #24 and Tanner Krebs #00 of the Saint Mary’s Gaels celebrate after a semifinal game of the West Coast Conference basketball tournament against the San Diego Toreros at the Orleans Arena on March 11, 2019 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Gaels defeated the Toreros 69-62. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – MARCH 11: Malik Fitts #24 and Tanner Krebs #00 of the Saint Mary’s Gaels celebrate after a semifinal game of the West Coast Conference basketball tournament against the San Diego Toreros at the Orleans Arena on March 11, 2019 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Gaels defeated the Toreros 69-62. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) /

1) Share the ball

Unlike past Randy Bennett coached teams, this Saint Mary’s team has found itself playing a lot of iso ball, especially when Jordan Ford is involved. However, like always, the Gaels are at their best when they share the ball and score off passes. In fact, the Gaels are an undefeated 15-0 when they record 10 or more assists.

Especially with games played at a slow tempo, ball movement becomes very important. It is ok to run the clock down, as long as the ball continues to move until an opening appears. Jordan Ford will certainly find moments where he will want to attack the middle and score at the rim, but this cannot become a Ford vs Booth battle. Krebbs and Fitts need to have some spot-up shooting opportunities to win this game.

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Iso play has been successful for the Gaels, but that will do them no favors in the NCAA Tournament. The Wildcats can defend the guards and wings incredibly well, but moving the ball could open up some looks inside or in the corners. Look for Jordan Ford to be the second leading scorer for the Gaels if they do pull the upset.

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