I watch almost every game that Marquette plays. Last year they won by outscoring their opponent. This year they can outscore them and they play much better defense. Theo John has added a defensive presence in the middle and i believe leads the big east in blocks. Sacar Anim has become a very good defender and doesn't shoot much but seems to make the shots he takes. Those two are the role players in the starting line up.
I am on the record in past about talking about the three H's for Marquette. Hauser, Hauser and Howard. Start with Howard. One of the most exciting players in college basketball. Can drive to the hoop and once he passes the half court line he is in range. Joey Hauser is a freshman and you can tell how well coached he is growing up. Shots the ball well and plays fundamental basketball. I watch allot of basketball and I personally think Sam Hauser is the most complete player in college basketball. By complete I mean he can dribble, play defense, rebound and shoot. He doesn't take dumb fouls and never seems to get rattled during the game. His demeanor always seems cool.
If Marquette gets the lead it will be difficult for Villanova to come back. Hauser & Howard both shoot free throws better than Steph Curry.
I have watched Villanova play a couple of games recently and they don't have the it factor of years past. I rode them last year all the way to the championship. Something is missing this year. The got out early against Xavier and then folded like a cheap suit. They are not playing good basketball at all. They have lost 4 of 5 (all 4 losses on the road). They have a good home record but none of the home wins were against a quality team. They rely on the 3 for their offense and Marquette both shoots and the defends the 3 better.
In the first meeting Marquette won at home by one and could have lost the game. Villanova had the last shot. Marquette did not shoot very well but still had a fairly good lead and was on the verge of blowing out Villanova. A couple of bad shots and Villanova makes resulted in a victory of only one point. Also in that game Theo John played only 16 minutes and fouled out. The Hauser brothers were 2 for 10 from the field for 4 points. That wont happen again tonight.
I was expecting a line of 1.5 to 2 and it is 5. I am on Marquette and also Marquette on the moneyline +180.