Busting Brackets
Fansided

Villanova Basketball: 3 keys for 2019-20 non-conference matchup vs. UConn

By Brian Rauf

VILLANOVA, PA - DECEMBER 30: Justin Moore #5, Collin Gillespie #2, and Jermaine Samuels #23 of the Villanova Wildcats react against the Xavier Musketeers in the first half at Finneran Pavilion on December 30, 2019 in Villanova, Pennsylvania. The Villanova Wildcats defeated the Xavier Musketeers 68-62. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
VILLANOVA, PA - DECEMBER 30: Justin Moore #5, Collin Gillespie #2, and Jermaine Samuels #23 of the Villanova Wildcats react against the Xavier Musketeers in the first half at Finneran Pavilion on December 30, 2019 in Villanova, Pennsylvania. The Villanova Wildcats defeated the Xavier Musketeers 68-62. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
1 of 4
Next
Villanova Basketball
PHILADELPHIA, PA – NOVEMBER 16: Head coach Jay Wright of the Villanova Wildcats (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images) /

Villanova basketball steps out of Big East play to face UConn, who will re-join the conference next season. Here are the three biggest keys to the game.

Villanova basketball has been on a roll of late, winning nine of their last 10 games to find themselves ranked No. 14 in the country. While they have to fight some resurgent teams in Butler and Seton Hall to reclaim their spot in the Big East, they’re stepping outside the conference – for now – to face UConn this week.

Obviously, this means more than your average non-conference game considering UConn’s history in the Big East, the history between the two programs, and the fact that the Huskies will be re-joining the conference next season.

It’s a chance for the Wildcats to get an early look at UConn, and they might be getting them at a good time.

Head coach Dan Hurley’s squad has struggled of late, losing three of their last four games, two of which were by double digits. Though they only have two wins against teams ranked in the KenPom top 150 (yes, this is a game Villanova should win), UConn can be extremely tough to handle.

Just as No. 16 Wichita State, who needed double overtime to get past the Huskies in UConn’s last game. Xavier needed two extra frames, too, and they managed to beat Florida in regulation.

So, what does Villanova need to do in order to avoid the upset and pull out the victory? Here are the three biggest keys to the game for the Wildcats.