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How to Watch, Stream, Listen
Time: 8:00 p.m. ET
TV: Fox Sports 2
Streaming: Fox Sports Go
Radio: 610 Sports
Gamblin’ Info
Villanova is favored by 32 points according to OddsShark.
All-Time Series
Villanova hasn’t lost to Lafayette in any of the five times they’ve met. In the fall of 2016 the Leopards went down 88-48 in the first game ‘Nova played since winning the championship the season before.
What to Watch For
This game marks the end of the three game stretch that the Wildcats were able to use as a warm-up for the rest of the season. With Tuesday night’s blowout against Nicholls State, there’s no doubt that the team has been working out the preseason kinks in practice. Head coach Jay Wright even let his team break triple digits in the 113-77 defeat of the Colonels, allowing the guys to build their confidence - deservedly so. I’m not saying we shouldn’t be worried at all about the outcome of this game… but some people might say that. A lot of people might say that. I might not argue with them.
Lafayette has yet to win a game this season- they made an effort to come back in the second half of their game against NJIT on Tuesday, but ended up losing 96-80. They've been shooting well from beyond the arc, which will give 'Nova the chance to work on their defense some more. One of Lafayette's senior co-captains, Matt Klinewski, is currently 7-for-8 past the three line, so keep an eye on him. Alex Petrie, E.J. Stephens, and Dylan Hastings are three freshman that have been playing well this season, but they don't really compare to the new players Villanova has on the court.
The new Wildcats are far from the biggest challenge Lafayette will be dealing with - returning players Mikal Bridges and Donte DiVincenzo are the ones that should really have the Leopards nervous. Bridges played better than ever Tuesday night, scoring a personal best 23 points. DiVincenzo came off the bench to score 20, and if he keeps playing like that Wright might consider giving him a starting spot… something to keep in your mind as the season continues.
At their last game, the team broke a school-record with 13 blocked shots and 12 dunks. This game will be fun for Villanova fans to watch - although if the recent mood in the Wells Fargo Center is anything to go off of it might not be the most exciting to the Nova Nationers. Lafayette is undoubtedly going to be looking for their first win this season, so although many of us have written this game off as an easy win for the Wildcats, Lafayette will likely be going all out to try and pull off what could be their biggest win in a while.
If you are determined to look ahead… you probably won’t be that disappointed. The good news for those of us who are ready to see just how good the new Wildcats are is that the Battle 4 Atlantis Tournament is coming up after this game. Look for a possible matchup against Arizona (#3 in current AP poll) in the championship game, as well as a possible 2nd round game with #19 Purdue - which will likely be the first real challenge this team faces in the season. For now, sit back, relax, and get ready to watch Villanova try to break some more records tonight.