Villanova Basketball: 3 keys to beat Kansas in Final Four matchup

SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS - MARCH 26: Head coach Jay Wright of the Villanova Wildcats reacts during the first half of the game against the Houston Cougars in the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament Elite 8 Round at AT&T Center on March 26, 2022 in San Antonio, Texas. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images) /

3 of 4

Villanova Basketball (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images) /

2. Stay out of foul trouble

Jay Wright has essentially played a six-man rotation this season which has now been trimmed down to a five-man rotation with Justin Moore’s injury.

We can expect Chris Arcidiacano to fill some sort of role off the bench, although likely nothing significant. Bryan Antoine could be the name to watch — a former five-star recruit who has dealt with injuries throughout his career at Villanova.

The truth is that Jay Wright doesn’t have really any reliable options off the bench. That’s why Villanova’s ability to stay out of foul trouble will be incredibly important in this matchup against a larger and extremely physical Kansas team. The Wildcats’ starting five has to be on the court.

Villanova ranks 46th nationally in opponent free throw rate, per KenPom. This is a team that is well-coached defensively and almost always avoids serious foul trouble. I mention potential foul trouble not as a reoccurring issue, but more as one that would be almost impossible to overcome at this stage if it does rear its head at the worst possible time.

Kansas is a team full of players who prefer to drive the ball. They can shoot, but their preference is to aggressively attack the rim, which has the potential to create some early foul trouble, even for. a team as disciplined as Villanova.