Marquette, Villanova put streaks on the line on Big Monday

Monday, February 25, 2008
7 P.M. Wachovia Center
Philadelphia, PA

Marquette has won four in a row. Villanova has put together a three-game winning streak. The Golden Eagles remain a serious contender for the Big East regular season crown, however, the Wildcats are fighting for their tournament lives. Marquette is far from the bubble talk, while Villanova has played themselves back onto the tournament bubble. Something will have to give on Big Monday in Philadelphia.

The Golden Eagles notched their fourth straight victory on Saturday, waxing Rutgers 78-48. Marquette used a collective effort offensively, boasting four players in double figures. Guard Jerel McNeal led Marquette with 16 points, seven rebounds and seven assists. During the four-game stretch, McNeal has led Marquette in scoring three of their last four wins. Marquette nursed a six-point lead at the half (35-29), but the Golden Eagles used another fantastic defensive effort, shackling the Scarlet Knights in the second half. Marquette held Rutgers to just 19 points and 27.6 percent shooting, while forcing Rutgers to cough up the basketball 22 times.

No one has been better at the defensive end lately than Marquette. During their four-game winning streak, the Golden Eagles have held opponents to 39 percent shooting, and just 23.7 percent from 3-point range. The Golden Eagles have won the rebounding margin against their last four opponents, while forcing an average of 19 turnovers per game over the four-game stretch. Marquette has scored an average of 78 points per game, and have held their opponents to 57.5 points per game.

Meanwhile, Villanova will look to knock off their second straight Big East ranked opponent in as many games. The Wildcats are riding high, fresh off their defeat on Saturday afternoon over then-No.13 UConn 67-65. Villanova won their third in a row, snapping the Huskies’ 10-game winning streak.

Despite being only a sophomore, guard Scottie Reynolds has blossomed into the heart and soul, and leader of the Wildcats. Reynolds poured in 18 points against the Huskies, who defensively, couldn’t contain Reynolds. While Villanova boasts two freshmen starters and no seniors on the roster, Reynolds, at times, has been a one-man show for Villanova. But as of late, Reynolds has gotten some much needed help on offense, and the Wildcats appear to be maturing at just the opportune time. Freshman guard Corey Stokes has scored in double figures in three straight games, finishing with a season-best 18 points in the win over UConn. Fellow freshman Antonio Pena has notched double figures in scoring in two of the last three games, as well as junior forward Dwayne Anderson.

Villanova, winners of four of their last five, have won three straight home games. Overall, the Wildcats are 11-2 at home, 5-2 versus Big East opponents. Marquette has played .500 ball on the road this year (4-4), but the Golden Eagles are a game under .500 on the road against Big East foes (3-4). However, the Golden Eagles have enjoyed success on the road of late, winning three of their last four away from the Bradley Center.

Both teams will be aiming to extend a couple of streaks. Marquette goes for their fifth in row and third straight road victory, while Villanova is 40 minutes from their fourth consecutive win and third in row at home.

by Frank Minniti
BigEast-fans.com Director of Content

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