Villanova Basketball manages to make Sweet 16 without Collin Gillespie

Utilizing the zone and man

One of the trademarks of the Wildcats, not just this tournament but all season, once they get the lead they do not surrender it. The biggest issue this season has been the dangerous game the Wildcats would often play by falling behind their opponent.

The main reason the Wildcats were able to overcome numerous deficits and win was due to the guard play of Gillepsie allowed Head Coach Jay Wright to not stray from their offensive philosophy.

Without Gillepsie Sunday night they were able to overcome an eight-point deficit thanks to their three-point shooting and the defensive set that permitted their three-point shooter to actually get on and stay on the court.

Not only did the 2-3 zone give Cole Swider an opportunity to play defense without the threat of getting caught in an isolation set, but the 2-3 also insulated Jeremiah Robinson-Earl is the key. For all the defensive benefits Robinson-Earl provides, there were times when he had trouble muscling Zachary Simmons in the key.

While the zone defense will not sway Baylor from attempting three-pointers as Baylor averages over 10 makes per game and Flo Thamba is not a huge scoring threat down low, the 2-3 zone will allow Coach Wright to deepen his bench and keep those on the court who are most effective on both ends.