ROUNDBALL DAILY

Villanova Wildcats: NCAA Tournament Profile

Darrun Hillard has led 'Nova to 28 wins this season. (AP Photo)

Darrun Hillard has led ‘Nova to 28 wins this season. (AP Photo)

Villanova Wildcats (28-4, 16-2 Big East)-If it weren’t for Creighton, ‘Nova might be a sure-fire No. 1 seed. The Bluejays made the Wildcats look silly in two games against them, winning by an average of 24.5 points. ‘Nova boasts a gaudy record, and took care of business in the watered-down Big East, but there aren’t too many stand-out wins on the schedule, save for a 63-59 triumph over then-No. 2 Kansas at the Battle 4 Atlantis.

The Wildcats are led by three guys who average just over 14 points per game. Senior guard James Bell (14.5 ppg, 6.1 rpg) is a consistent scorer and clutch shooter. Junior forward JayVaughn Pinkston (14.2 ppg, 6.1 rpg) is tough inside and can often be a difference maker in games.

Junior guard Darrun Hillard may be the most talented of the group, averaging 14.3 points per game. He shoots 42% from the three-point line. But the heartbeat of the team could very well be sophomore guard Ryan Arcidiacano, who will end up being one of those guys who seems like he’s been in college for 10 years. His numbers aren’t gaudy (9.9 ppg, 3.4 apg), but he puts them over the top when he’s playing well.

KEY STATS:

30th Points per Game (78.5)

23rd Assists per Game (15.6)

22nd Points Allowed per Possession (0.94)

9th Points per Possession (1.13)

 

 

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