Kansas - Villanova Preview

Sweet 16
Kansas Jayhawks (1) Vs. Villanova Wildcats (12)
Friday, March 28 @ 9:40 pm
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The Kansas Jayhawks enter the Sweet 16 with 24 and 19-point victories in round one and two. In the second round, the Hawks used their highly skilled depth and unrelenting defense to shutdown UNLV. The Running Rebels hit just 27% from the floor and 23% from three-point range. Under the rim, Kansas won the battle for rebounds 31- 24.

Shooting guard Mario Chalmers led all Kansas scorers with 17 points. Brandon Rush and Russell Robinson, both guards, hit for 12 and 13 points respectively. The Hawks use three guards and two forwards, creating rebounding opportunities for both those in the front and back. Forward Darnell Jackson took in 9 rebounds, while Rush brought in 6. Darrell Arthur, at forward, hit for 9 points and grabbed 5 rebbies.

The 12th seed Villanova Wildcats took down 5th seed Clemson in round one 75- 69 and then beat 13th seed Siena 84- 72. Nova now has the chance to eliminate a number one seed. Against the Siena Saints, Villanova hit 54% from the floor and 46% from the arc. They put in 75% of their frees. They led through the entire game.

Guard Scottie Reynolds topped all Wildcats in points (25), assists (5) and rebounds (8). Guard Dante Cunningham pulled down 6 bounds, put up 14 points and dished off 2 assists. Reynolds was 4 of 7 from the arc, while Stokes was 2 of 5. Nova held the Saints to just 36% from the field. They had a 35 to 30 edge in rebounding. By the way, the Cats sent the Saints to the foul line 39 times. That’s way too many.

With both teams playing three guards and possessing some fine sharpshooters, look for this to be a wild one. The Wildcats have to be mindful of getting into foul trouble. If the Hawks do get the opportunity to walk to the charity stripe, they need to convert more than 63% of their chances.