Post presence. Villanova’s defense inside the arc remains solid, but they ride freshman big man Omari Spellman like Seattle Slew at center. He’s averaging 33 minutes a game in February because the Wildcats just don’t have anyone else; when he’s out, 6’7” Eric Paschall plays center. Foul trouble for Spellman would hamper Nova, but even beyond that, Xavier needs to make him work on the defensive end every time down. Post touches for Xavier’s bigs will open up options for the perimeter guys and should lead to heavy legs for Spellman in winning time.
Xavier v. Villanova: Stats, Stream, and Keys to the Game
