Villanova is different compared to the last time they faced Oklahoma

Jamie Rhodes-USA TODAY SportsThree months after Oklahoma demolished Villanova, here is why they are an improved version of themselves.

Villanova walked into the 4,000-seat Bloch Arena with high expectations. Ranked ninth in the nation, their seven wins had the Wildcats confident in their chances against seventh-ranked Oklahoma.

Yet, outstanding one run near the end of the first half to close the gap within six, the Sooners systematically dominated their counterpart en route to a 23 point victory.

Something seemed unusual about this Villanova team compared to those of previous years. They relied heavily on shots from beyond the arc, with over half of their attempts coming from long range, even…