Villanova is looking to return to the NCAA Tournament for the first time in three years.
The Wildcats are currently 21-5 and 12-3 in the Big East. According to ESPN’s latest edition of Bracketology by Joe Lunardi, this has Villanova comfortably in the field.
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During the recent projections, Villanova landed a No. 7 seed in the West bracket. This would set up a potential matchup with 10-seeded Auburn. Looking down the line, Lunardi has Purdue as the second seed in the bracket, setting up a potential second-round matchup. Arizona is the No. 1 in this bracket while Big East foe St. John’s was also projected in this section.
There will be first round games taking place in Philadelphia out of the East and Midwest brackets. It seems likely that the committee will attempt to keep the Wildcats away, if possible.
Villanova is preparing for a showdown with No. 5 UConn on Saturday. This gives the Wildcats a chance to secure a statement victory to stamp on the resume. Villanova let a chance slip away in its previous matchup with UConn in Storrs.
UConn is coming off a loss to Creighton earlier in the week. This win for the Blue Jays helped the Wildcats’ resume. With the movement for Creighton, this made Villanova’s road win against the Jays a Quad 1 win, moving them to 3-4. Also, the early-season loss at home is now Quad 2, meaning Villanova is once again unbeaten at 8-0 in Quad 3 games.
Villanova is currently ranked No. 27 in KenPom and No. 29 in NET rankings.
The Wildcats will host UConn on Saturday at 5:30pm followed by Butler on Wednesday.
