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Villanova at Ohio State: 5 key storylines for the 2019 Gavitt Games matchup

By Lukas Harkins

VILLANOVA, PA - NOVEMBER 05: Jeremiah Robinson-Earl #24 of the Villanova Wildcats dribbles the ball against Chris Mann #4 of the Army Black Knights in the first half at Finneran Pavilion on November 5, 2019 in Villanova, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
VILLANOVA, PA - NOVEMBER 05: Jeremiah Robinson-Earl #24 of the Villanova Wildcats dribbles the ball against Chris Mann #4 of the Army Black Knights in the first half at Finneran Pavilion on November 5, 2019 in Villanova, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /
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VILLANOVA, PA – NOVEMBER 05: Coach Wright of Villanova talks to Swider. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
VILLANOVA, PA – NOVEMBER 05: Coach Wright of Villanova talks to Swider. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /

Monitor Villanova’s ball movement.

Villanova projects as arguably a top-5 offensive unit in the entire nation this season. Even while the Wildcats are without Bryan Antoine due to injury, they boast versatile scoring options throughout their roster. Jeremiah Robinson-Earl is the most notable of these as the squad’s superstar freshman but it would be a mistake to overlook returning stars such as Collin Gillespie and Saddiq Bey.

More importantly than just individual stars, though, Villanova’s high-powered offense is predicated on ball movement and finding the best possible shot on each possession. Additionally, Coach Wright has embraced the “efficiency age” of hoops by placing a heavy emphasis on the 3-point shot. The ‘Cats ranked third in the entire nation last season in 3PA/FGA and that was their sixth straight campaign finishing in the top-35 of that category. As a result, it is reasonable to assume that Villanova will once again look to let it fly from beyond the arc.

Additionally, the Wildcats ranked in the top-100 of assists per made field goal in four of those six seasons as well. Even though Villanova lacks a true point guard this season, it is reasonable to assume that the entire offense will pick that playmaking slack while working as a unit to create open looks.

In order to counteract Villanova’s high-octane offensive unit, Ohio State will look to stifle passing lanes. Chris Holtmann-coached teams are often regarded as some of the best defensive units in the country and the same should be expected out of the Buckeyes this season. That much is evident in the fact that Ohio State already sits at No. 7 in adjusted defensive efficiency on KenPom. The Buckeyes might not force a ton of turnovers but they contest nearly every single shot. Coach Holtmann preaches team defense and communication on that end of the floor. Even with his young roster this year, defense should still be a major strength and that will need to be evident in this matchup.

Villanova has the ability to devastate opponents with a 3-point barrage right out of the gates and run away with victories, even on the road. Ohio State will need to fight against that by being well-prepared and ready to talk through defensive sets. Watch for the Buckeyes’ two lead guards, C.J. Walker and D.J. Carton, to be vocal all night long at the point of attack. Additionally, look for Luther Muhammad to play a big role as a dynamic defender in the backcourt. Although just 6-foot-3, the sophomore can cover multiple positions and is an elite stopper. His defensive abilities alone make him a very capable starter at the high-major level.

In the frontcourt, Ohio State will be missing Andre Wesson due to injury. Although not a major contributor, he is the lone senior in the rotation and his experience could have paid dividends against Villanova’s youthful frontcourt. Highly-touted freshmen Alonzo Gaffney and E.J. Liddell will likely be tasked with playing big minutes alongside K. Wesson and Young in his absence.

Be sure to monitor how Villanova’s high-powered offense performs against Ohio State’s disciplined defense as it could be the most pivotal battle of the game.