Villanova Basketball: Keys to success against Baylor in Myrtle Beach Final

VILLANOVA, PA - NOVEMBER 05: Head coach Jay Wright of the Villanova Wildcats talks to Cole Swider #10 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) /

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PHILADELPHIA, PA – NOVEMBER 16: Gillespie of the Wildcats attempts. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images) /

1. Make it rain from beyond the arc.

Baylor is a team that prides itself on defense and that has been evident quite early yet again this season. The Bears currently rank 16th in the nation in both adjusted defensive efficiency as well as turnover rate forced. They are quite disciplined and tremendously active around the rim with regard to blocking and/or altering shots. With that said, though, the biggest hole in their defense at this point is covering the 3-point line. The Bears are allowing opponents to shoot 35.7% (258th in the nation) from beyond the arc through five games this season on relatively high volume.

Villanova, who is well-known to be one of the most prolific 3-point shooting teams in the nation year in and year out, should look to exploit this weakness early and often. The Wildcats currently boast the No. 4 spot in adjusted offensive efficiency this season and shooting 41.8% from deep on the 12th-highest 3PAr will do that. Additionally, Coach Wright’s scheme emphasizes ball movement and the squad is recording assists on a whopping 66.0% of made baskets. Villanova will really test Baylor’s discipline defensively while seeking the best possible shot, preferably from distance, in this game.

Villanova should come out of the gates firing from beyond the arc and there are several well-regarded snipers on the roster worth monitoring. Perhaps most notably, the Wildcats’ starting backcourt of Collin Gillespie and Justin Moore is deadly from beyond the arc. Those two have already combined to bury 22 3-pointers through the team’s first five games. Additionally, talented forwards Saddiq Bey and Cole Swider are definitely reliable threats willing to let it fly at high volumes as well.

Those four should be at the top of the scouting report with regard to shooters but they are not alone. Additionally, when they are hitting from distance, players like Jeremiah Robinson-Earl have more room to operate for their driving and finishing. Villanova is seemingly always a high-powered offensive machine and this campaign should be no different.