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Villanova vs. Georgetown: 5 biggest storylines for first 2020-21 matchup

By Benjamin Zacher

Feb 26, 2020; Villanova, Pennsylvania, USA; Villanova Wildcats forward Jeremiah Robinson-Earl (24) is defended by St. John's Red Storm forward Marcellus Earlington (10) during the first half at Finneran Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 26, 2020; Villanova, Pennsylvania, USA; Villanova Wildcats forward Jeremiah Robinson-Earl (24) is defended by St. John's Red Storm forward Marcellus Earlington (10) during the first half at Finneran Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports /
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Villanova Wildcats David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports /

2. With a consensus choice on who are the top two teams in the country, there is still the question of who is third

There is no question – currently, at least – regarding who the two best teams in college basketball are.  Gonzaga and Baylor have already recorded some of the best wins of the young season, have – for the most part, in Gonzaga’s case – looked dominant in all of their games, and seemingly have limited – if any – questions regarding their team.

One of the most intriguing questions in the early goings – and moving forward – has been and will continue to be: who is immediately right behind them?  There has been no clear-cut answer thus far, and teams who were ranked in that echelon – namely, Villanova, Virginia, and Wisconsin – fell within the opening days.

There are a few contenders, obviously.  Iowa currently has the reigns and, finally, have a win that can legitimize them.  Michigan State, Kansas, Houston, and Illinois have all also looked the part of a team that could be ranked third, and all own at least one stellar win over nationally-ranked teams.

But after falling to Virginia Tech in Bubbleville, Villanova has done everything to plant themselves back into that conversation – and they have succeeded.  Their win at Texas was monumental for a team that had slipped to 12th in the national polls – before that win, the contributors to our season-opening roundtable were high on Villanova and their place as the third-best team.

KenPom has been on high on the Wildcats, as well, having them slotted third as recently as this past week.  Right behind them in fourth – before and after their game – is Texas, giving Villanova’s win that much more significance.

There are still some question marks regarding Villanova, obviously.  Their offense (77.4 ppg, 122nd) and defense (67.8, 132nd) are average, and they rank among the nation’s worst in committing turnovers (8.8, 300th).  But – while their assist numbers are down (12.6, 206th) – they have shown flashes of brilliant ball movement, particularly in their win over Texas – those reminiscent of Jay Wright’s title teams.

To state the obvious – they cannot afford a misstep to Georgetown.  They suffered at least two in Big East play last season against Marquette and Providence, and that hurt their stock a bit.  With expectations even higher this season, the pressure is on for Villanova to look dominant – especially if they want to compete with Gonzaga and Baylor.