Villanova Basketball: 3 keys for Wildcats vs. Ohio State

Villanova Basketball: 2019-20 keys for Wildcats vs. Ohio State

By Brian Rauf | Nov 12, 2019

VILLANOVA, PA - NOVEMBER 06: Head coach Jay Wright of the Villanova Wildcats walks off the court at halftime against the Morgan State Bears at Finneran Pavilion on November 6, 2018 in Villanova, Pennsylvania. The Wildcats defeated the Bears 100-77. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /

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VILLANOVA, PA – NOVEMBER 05: Jeremiah Robinson-Earl #24 of the Villanova Wildcats reacts after making a basket and getting fouled Army Black Knights in the second half at Finneran Pavilion on November 5, 2019 in Villanova, Pennsylvania. The Villanova Wildcats defeated the Army Black Knights 97-54. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /

1) Win the frontcourt battle

Though both teams have high-quality guards, the frontcourt is where this game will be decided.

Robinson-Earl and Saddiq Bey were the two biggest stars in Villanova’s opener, each scoring at least 22 points and shooting 9/14 from the floor. Both players have the kind of versatility that makes them extremely tough to defend, as they can make shots from the perimeter or finish around the basket.

Ohio State is in a similar boat with junior Kaleb Wesson, who is the Buckeyes’ undisputed best player. The 6-9, 270-pounder led them with 14.6 points per game a season ago and has taken his game to a new level so far in 2019, averaging 12.0 rebounds and 3.5 assists per game, both of which are also team highs.

Head coach Chris Holtmann and Ohio State run their offense through the big man in the post, and he’s skilled enough to work that well. However, he and Villanova’s bigs are polar opposites.

Wesson bullies opponents in the post while Bey and Robinson-Earl are more stretch bigs. Robinson-Earl should have the advantage on the offensive end given his athleticism advantage. If he and Bey can compete with Wesson on the glass and limit his effectiveness in the post, the Wildcats will win this game.