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The Daily OrangeMBB | Trading places
Since a ranked Villanova beat SU in the Dome 2 weeks ago it has lost 3 in a row. What has changed?
By Zach Schonbrun and John Clayton
Posted: 1/31/08, 10:27 PM EST Section: Sports
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Scottie Reynolds practically took down Syracuse single-handedly in the second half of Villanova's 81-71 victory on Jan. 19.
Lately, it seems when Reynolds is off, the team is off. But if he's on, he's the only one.
In a 69-57 loss at Pittsburgh Wednesday, Reynolds shot 9-for-15 for a game-high 26 points. But only one other Wildcat scored in double figures.
When Reynolds struggled shooting against Rutgers, his team shot just 36.7 percent from the field in an 80-68 loss at home.
Syracuse can let Reynolds get his points, but make sure his teammates don't get theirs.
-- Zach Schonbrun, staff writer
Cunningham in foul trouble
It's been a while since Jay Wright has needed to depend on a big man, and this season is no different.
For the past few games, the only thing the Villanova head coach can depend on 6-foot-8 forward Dante Cunningham to do is commit fouls. Cunningham, a junior, has fouled out of the last three contests for Villanova.
When he is in the game, he can be a force. He's third on the team in scoring and eighth in the Big East in shooting percentage at 54.1.
Cunningham might be a bit more hesitant to hack away on Saturday - Wright and Villanova will need his presence.
-- Zach Schonbrun, staff writer
No defense
The Wachovia Center had been a haven for Villanova - the Wildcats had won nine of their last 12 games there dating back to 2004.
But even the 'Nova fans who packed the nearly 20,000 seat arena couldn't give the Wildcats defense a lift against Notre Dame last Saturday. The Fighting Irish shot 50.9 percent from the field that game in a 90-80 win.
That sort of performance has been a regularity the last three games for Villanova. Opponents have shot .497 from the field in 'Nova's three-game drought and scored an average of 81.3 points.
To give perspective, the Big East's worst defensive team, Seton Hall, is allowing 77.5 points per game.
-- John Clayton, assistant sports editor
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