2. The Wildcats are average in defensive percentages – but their methodology yields results
Villanova’s a statistical oddity because their defensive numbers – on the surface – indicate that they are an average defensive team. They rank 188th in three-point FG defense (34.5%) and 186th in two-point FG defense (50.7%). Entering this game, they were 132nd in opponents’ points per game (67.8).
And yet – with the exception of Virginia Tech – they have held every team below 80. If you take Arizona State out, they have held every team below 70. They have shut teams down while going on offensive clinics, despite the average defensive percentages.
This all comes from Jay Wright’s methodology – and it was on full display against Georgetown. Some of it comes from Villanova’s ability to deny opposing teams rebounds – they rank 33rd when it comes to offensive rebounding percentages for opponents, holding teams to just a 21.2% chance of retrieving an offensive rebound.
I mentioned in the last slide that Villanova is averaging 1.02 points per possession. On the defensive end, they are holding teams to 0.90 points per possession. Against Georgetown, they held the Hoyas to 0.98 – while averaging 1.19 themselves.
This is all part of Jay Wright‘s style of living-or-dying by the three, and what makes them incredibly dangerous. Their historical offensive prowess is what led them to two national titles in the 2010s – and they showed that against the Hoyas, collecting seven assists on 10 made field goals.
Their defense will only continue to get better as the year goes on. Their 2PT and 3PT defensive percentages are not yet quite to the level of last year’s squad, but if the Wildcats can replicate what they did defensively against the Hoyas in the second half – 26.7% on FG (8-30) and 9.1% on 3PT (1-11), with no free throws – then this team will undoubtedly be among the ranks of Gonzaga and Baylor.