Villanova vs Marquette: 5 storylines for first 2020-21 Big East matchup

Defending Villanova’s guards in the post

Normally a basketball game’s plot when referring to points in the paint are the centers, or at the very least, guards penetrating for easy lay-ups. Such is not the case when it comes to Villanova Basketball versus Marquette Basketball. When discussing points in the paint, the discussion begins and ends with the Wildcats’ guards posting up, specifically, 6’3 Collin Gillespie.

Coach Steve Wojciechowski has to decide which foul prone guard he is willing to put on Gillespie. Marquette’s backcourt is composed of their two highest scorers, so any added defensive responsibility and opportunity to pick up fouls, have to be a concern for Coach Wojciechowski. At 6’2 DJ Carton (12.3 ppg) seems like the natural defender for Gillespie, even though Carton has picked up at least three personal fouls in five of Marquette’s eight games.

As concerning as that stat may be, it would be even riskier to have 6’4 senior guard and leading scorer Koby McEwen attempt to ‘man-up’ Gillespie. Not only does McEwen (14.6 ppg) lead the Golden Eagles in scoring, he also leads them in personal fouls as he has picked up at least four fouls in five of the eight games.

McEwen should not be an option for Coach Wojciechowski anyway, for if McEwen guards Gillespie, the 6’2 Carton will be placed on 6’4 Justin Moore or 6’4 Caleb Daniels and the concerns of being overpowered in the paint and gathering up fouls are just as great.