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Maryland-Eastern Shore vs. Villanova: 3-Point Preview

Villanova returns to the Pavilion for the first time this season as the No. 12 Wildcats host Maryland Eastern Shore. Brian Nestel gives three storylines to keep an eye out for during Monday night's matchup.

Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

Shaking off the Rust

Villanova didn’t exactly shoot "lights out" in their season opener against Lehigh. Though they won the game 77-66, the Wildcats shot a putrid 27-for-71 (38.0 percent) from the floor and 8-for-33 from 3-point land. They came out cold, missing 11 of their first 13 shots, and allowed a pesky Lehigh team to hang around for much of the game.

After getting win number one under their belt, will Jay Wright’s squad show that they just had to knock the rust to get going? Or will the shooting struggles continue against a team the Wildcats should handle easily?

Complete Coverage of the Opening Week of College Basketball: Here

Did Somebody Say Turnovers?

What saved Villanova against Lehigh was their defense. ‘Nova was able to create 23 turnovers, including 13 steals, to generate quick points.  All five starters had at least one steal, with Darrun Hilliard leading the team with four. Villanova’s patented high pressure D was able to take advantage of Lehigh turnovers into 31 points.

Maryland Eastern Shore should be able to give Ryan Arcidiacono and company a feast day in the turnover department. The Hawks turned the ball over 15 times, eight of which came in the first half in their opening 71-46 loss to Virginia Tech. Villanova will look to punish Hawks turnovers into fast break points once again.

Ennis the Menace

If Dylan Ennis is able to help lead Villanova again like he did against Lehigh, with 19 points, five assists and five rebounds, has the redshirt junior earned this nickname?

I’m only somewhat kidding.

But can Ennis to build off his strong performance against Maryland Eastern Shore? Or will it be another Wildcat who will steal the show?