Game Of The Week NCAAM: Creighton at Villanova

 

I'll be getting some "Game Of The Week Posts" in for the NBA and with March Madness on the horizon, a little NCAAM. I'll definitely be participating in some kind of Bracket Challenge this season, and by participate I mean I'll stare at the lines and seeds until my eyes glaze over. Gonzaga's gonna win it all anyway right? Their 24-0 and have +350 odds to take the crown. If I pick the Zags to go all the way I'll have to gloat...over the internet. Not the same as gloating right at your co-worker's face the day after the championship by the water cooler. Oh well, enjoy Creighton at Villanova.

No.14 Creighton visits No.10 Villanova Wednesday night in a Big East Battle with just over a week to go before selection Sunday for the NCAA tournament. This is an intriguing matchup between two ranked teams, both playing their penultimate games of the regular season. They’re evenly matched, offensively and defensively. They’re each 11-0 when holding opponents to under 68 in a game. In their first meeting of the season just a few weeks ago on 2/13 Creighton won 86-70.

The 15-4 Wildcats have slogged through a season in which they’ve had 11 games canceled or postponed due COVID-19 safety protocols. They’re coming off a 73-51 loss to Butler this past Sunday, but overall have won seven of 10, and eight in a row at home. They currently sit atop the Big East with a half game lead over Creighton. Forward Jeremiah Robinson leads their offense, averaging 15.5 ppg, while forward Brandon Slater enters the game shooting 50.1% from beyond the arc. 

Creighton (17-6) is also coming off a loss, but they’ve won seven of nine and four of their last five. Guard Marcus Zegarowski scored 25 points in Creighton’s win over the Wildcats in February, his highest point total in a single game this season. He leads the Bluejays in scoring at 14.5 ppg, and has dished out 19 assists in his last three games.

Despite their hot play, Creighton is dealing with an internal team issue that could either cool things down dramatically, or galvanize them to battle on. Following a 77-69 defeat at the hands of Xavier on the road Sunday, head coach Greg McDermott, in an emotional locker room address to the team, made racially insensitive remarks that he has since apologized for. 

McDermott, in his 11th season as head coach with the team, has been transparent about what was transpired in the locker room. In a statement on Twitter, he said, “Specifically, I said, guys we got to stick together. I need both feet in. I need everybody to stay on the plantation. I can’t have everybody leave the plantation.” 

The university has also issued a statement, saying “Coach McDermott’s language is inconsistent with the university’s values and commitment to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment.” The team has yet to issue any news on penalizing McDermott, and he will be on the sidelines for tonight’s game. He’s been with Creighton for over a decade with no other known incidents like this, and seems well-liked by his players. That said, it’s worth considering how the fallout could affect team chemistry. 

Villanova enters as -4.5 favorites, and the Wildcats are 14-5 lifetime vs. Creighton. Coaching controversy or not, Creighton has been playing great basketball, and I expect them to put up a fight. They beat Villanova by 16 earlier this season, so they know how to play this team. I'll give it the Wildcats thought in a close one, 90-88.