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After taking four straight games to end their out-of-conference slate, Villanova looked to start Big East Conference play on the right foot with a victory over Seton Hall. And that they did, taking control early in the 1st half and not looking back en route to a commanding 79-67 victory over the Pirates.
Defensive Execution and Team Depth
Coming off of the victory, Coach Neptune opened the post-game presser by emphasizing the challenge posed by Seton Hall. “We watched Seton Hall tape—a lot of respect for those guys. They play tough and nasty,” Neptune said. Despite the Pirates’ aggressive defense, ranked top 50 in the country in terms of defensive efficiency on KenPom, the Wildcats managed to maintain control on offense. In addition, the Cats played well on the other end of the ball, with Neptune praising Nova’s defensive performance: “I thought we were pretty good defensively as well. If we continue to defend that way, we always give ourselves a chance.”
Villanova employed a mix of defensive schemes, utilizing 2-3 zone, 3-2 zone, and man-to-man coverage throughout the game. Neptune explained the philosophy behind these adjustments, saying, “We’ve switched our defense up all year…that’s something we’ll just continue to do.” These varied defensive looks kept Seton Hall’s offense off balance, limiting their ability to establish a consistent rhythm. By alternating between zones and man-to-man defense, Villanova forced Seton Hall to adapt repeatedly, leading to contested shots and reduced scoring opportunities, ultimately holding the Pirates to just 39% from the field and 35% from 3PT.
The Wildcats’ defensive philosophy revolves around staying disciplined and forcing opponents into tough positions. “We kept guys in front of us for long stretches, kept guys out of the paint…you force them into contested looks, and that’s kind of what our defensive philosophy is,” Neptune emphasized. The effectiveness of this approach was evident as Villanova minimized Seton Hall’s ability to capitalize on second-chance opportunities and prevented any major scoring runs, two things that have led to tough losses earlier in the season against Maryland and Saint Joseph’s.
Tyler Perkins and Offensive Contributions
Tyler Perkins had a standout game, scoring 17 points on just seven shots off the bench, including five three-pointers, and a +20 rating in the box score. Coach Neptune praised his performance: “He’s a guy that always brings energy. We know he’s a scorer…if he’s open, he can definitely make shots.” Perkins attributed his success to the team’s chemistry, saying, “It was really just my teammates—they were finding me in positions for me to be able to succeed.”
Eric Dixon, leading the country in scoring entering the week also led the team with 25 points, continuing to anchor Villanova’s offense. “Eric just does so many different things in so many different ways,” Neptune remarked. Dixon’s versatility in the paint and his ability to draw fouls were crucial to breaking Seton Hall’s defensive rhythm, especially in the second half.
Ball Movement and Team Chemistry
Villanova’s offensive efficiency was bolstered by unselfish ball movement. Over the past two games, the Wildcats recorded 36 assists, which Neptune credited to the team’s trust in one another. “Our guys are just so unselfish,” he said. “They’re making the right reads and starting to trust each other.”
Villanova showcased an impressive ability to control the pace of the game against Seton Hall, striking a balance between disciplined half-court sets and opportunistic transition play, epitomized by an impressive coast-to-coast press break from Jhamir Brickus that put the Cats up 14 with under two minutes left. Coach Kyle Neptune highlighted the team’s adaptability, saying, “We definitely want to take our shots if we get some transition looks, but we’re comfortable playing in the half court as well.” By capitalizing on open looks when available and relying on methodical ball movement in settled offensive sets, Villanova effectively neutralized Seton Hall’s defensive pressure. This strategic flexibility allowed the Wildcats to dictate the tempo, forcing the Pirates to adjust while Villanova maintained control of the game’s flow. As Neptune noted, “We mixed it up,” keeping Seton Hall guessing and ensuring that the Wildcats could play to their strengths regardless of the defensive setup they faced.
Jordan Longino, who contributed 15 points and five assists, highlighted the team’s focus in practice. “We knew they’re a team that likes to press, so for us, it was about being solid and moving the ball,” Longino said. His performance exemplified Villanova’s commitment to playing smart, efficient basketball.
Looking Ahead to Creighton
The Wildcats now turn their attention to a critical matchup against the Creighton Bluejays on Saturday, December 21. Creighton, one of the top teams in the Big East, boasts an efficient offense led by standout center and Big East Defensive Player of the Year Ryan Kalkbrenner and guard Trey Alexander. Known for their three-point shooting and strong interior presence, Creighton presents a formidable challenge but is not unbeatable. With the devastating loss of Pop Issacs for the season, Creighton will not be at full strength. On top of this, Eric Dixon has been a thorn in BEDPOY Kalkbrenner’s proverbial side over their overlapping time in the Big East, with Dixon scoring 15 or more in 6 of their 8 matchups.
With their efficient and talented offense, Villanova’s focus is on maintaining defensive intensity and continuing to improve as a unit. “We just take every day the same way, just trying to get better,” Neptune said. The Wildcats aim to carry the momentum from their victory over Seton Hall into what promises to be a highly competitive contest against Creighton.
Moving forward, with the Wildcats' blend of defensive discipline, offensive depth, and emerging chemistry, Villanova is “in position to be in position” to make a strong run in the Big East. This will require continued development and poise on the defensive end, as Seton Hall is not a team that is known for their offensive prowess. However, the Cats have quieted doubts for now, played better defense, are top 15 in offensive efficiency via KenPom, and as Neptune put it, “We want to be a team that gets better and better throughout the year, and I think we’re starting to do that.”
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