Xavier Basketball: 2019-20 keys for Musketeers road matchup against Villanova

1) Limit Villanova’s three-point shooters

This is a key for every team that faces Villanova, and it is no different for Xavier. Villanova’s offense has become increasingly more three-point-centric over the past decade and, while the Wildcats do have a bit more balance this year, it is still the focal point of their attack.

Nearly 45 percent of their shots come from behind the arc, as do 37 percent of their total points. Their top six scorers, all of whom average at least 9.5 points per game, shoot over 30 percent from long-range, with three shooting over 39 percent.

Their complete reliance on the three was on full display in their last outing, a comeback win over then-No. 1 Kansas. 41 of their 63 total shots came from three-point range with six different players making a three. Now, they didn’t shoot it with particular effectiveness – they only made 10 – but they still made enough to counteract KU’s advantage on the interior.

That’s the challenge for Xavier, who should also have the advantage inside. Forcing Villanova to shoot contested, low-percentage threes is one thing, but the Wildcats have enough good shooters that they’ll start making enough at one point.

The key is to limit the amount they take and force them to take shots from inside the arc. That is much easier said than done – Villanova is well-schooled at driving the ball to kick to the open man behind the arc – but it will take the Wildcats out of their offensive rhythm and give Xavier the best chance to win.

Expect the Musketeers to apply plenty of defensive pressure on the perimeter at the risk of being undermanned on the interior.