The Wildcats are viewed as comfortably in the field, for now, but can they improve their seed?
Villanova is on a mission to return to the NCAA Tournament for the first time in three years.
The Wildcats have yet to crack the Top 25 this season, but currently sit at 18-5 and 9-3 in the Big East. According to ESPN’s Joe Lunardi, Villanova is seen as a “likely” tournament team, sitting on the eight-seed line as of now. The bracketology expect put out a new prediction on Friday and had this to say about the Wildcats:
“The Wildcats are probably not getting enough credit for their turnaround. The brief Kyle Neptune era — however well-intentioned — was a huge drop-off from the vaunted “Villanova way.” Willard is once again proving he can really coach, no matter how much folks miss the warm and fuzzy days.”
The recent projection features Villanova in the East Region as the eight seed taking on Utah State in the first round. For what it’s worth, Duke is the projected No. 1 seed in the region, setting up a potential matchup with the Wildcats if they make it into the Round of 32.
Villanova is currently ranked 28th in KenPom and 32nd in NET. Many believe that the Wildcats have not earned that signature win yet this season but hold three Quad 1 wins to this point. Villanova defeated Wisconsin early in the season in a pseudo-road game in Milwaukee while also defeating Seton Hall and Butler on the road.
ESPN listed two key games for the Wildcats moving forward — St. John’s and UConn. While these are two chances to earn signature wins, every game on the schedule remains important. Villanova has Marquette coming up with Creighton, DePaul, and Xavier twice left. At this point, it is important for the Wildcats to avoid losses that could add blemishes to the resume. Let’s not forget that the early-season game vs. Creighton has been moved to Quad 3 loss with the recent struggles of the Blue Jays.
Villanova has won three in a row, six of its last eight, and is 11-3 since a lopsided loss to Michigan in December. The Wildcats seem primed and ready to return to the big dance for the first time since Jay Wright retired. The Big East is projected to have just three teams make the tournament and right now, Villanova seems to be firmly in the field.
Category: General Sports
