The no. 1 Kansas Jayhawks will put their undefeated record on the line Saturday when they host the no. 17 Villanova Wildcats. The game is a rematch of last year’s Final Four meeting that Villanova won on their way to taking home the national championship. Kansas comes into this game at -7.5 over Villanova on Saturday.
The Jayhawks have been nearly flawless early in the season. They have already survived tests against the likes of Michigan State, Marquette, Tennessee, and Stanford, as they’re racking up quality wins even before the start of conference play. However, they did struggle a little last time out, overcoming a 2nd half deficit against New Mexico State to win 63-60 thanks to 20 points from Dedric Lawson.
As for the Wildcats, they have endured a topsy-turvy start to their season. Villanova suffered an early-season blowout at the hands of Michigan and then a stunning loss to Furman. The Cats then rattled off six straight wins, including victories over Florida State and three of their Philadelphia rivals. However, they suffered a disappointing loss Tuesday against Penn, snapping a 25-game winning streak against Philadelphia’s Big 5.
Not So Super Freshman
Villanova was supposed to have a star-studded freshman class, but some of their five-star recruits are yet to make a successful transition to the college game. The likes of Jahvon Quinerly and Cole Swider have been non-factors early in the season. Freshman forward Saddiq Bey is the only Villanova freshman who’s getting significant minutes at the moment.
Instead, Jay Wright is leaning on players like Collin Gillespie and Jermaine Samuels, sophomores who saw little playing time last year, as well as seniors like Phil Booth, Eric Paschall, and Joe Cremo. For what it’s worth, that group had started to gel together before the loss to Penn. However, they don’t have the same talent level as Nova’s inexperienced freshmen or the players who left the program after last year’s national championship.
It’s the Law
Lawson saved the Jayhawks against New Mexico State, and he figures to feature prominently against the Wildcats. The Memphis transfer has picked up right where he left off despite sitting out last season. He’s scored 20 points or more in five straight games and is also averaging over 10 rebounds per game. His presence inside will be vital for the time being with Udoka Azubuike sidelined until at least conference play due to injury.
Fortunately, Kansas has an outside game to help complement Lawson’s scoring inside the three-point line. Senior Lagerald Vick has stepped up in place of so many of the players Kansas lost after last season. He’s hitting on 56% of his three-point attempts, and that’s after shooting 2 for 11 over his last two games. Freshmen Devon Dotson and Quentin Grimes are also providing Vick with plenty of backcourt help, so talent at the guard position has not been an issue for the Jayhawks.
Deja Vu
Villanova wasn’t ready to face Michigan earlier this year and they won’t look like they’re ready to face the no. 1 team in the country either. Going to Allen Fieldhouse, the Wildcats are liable to get blown out for a second time this season. Bet on Kansas winning and covering the -7.5 spread against Villanova on Saturday.
