Michigan Blowout Does Little to Villanova’s Standing

Villanova Men’s Basketball dropped just two spots in the NET and KenPom ratings after an 89-61 blowout at the hands of No. 2 Michigan on Tuesday, Dec. 9, slipping to No. 37 in both metrics.

While the loss provided a stark reminder of just how far the Wildcats (7-2) have to go in order to become a true contender, reminiscent of their 95-51 dismantling of Oklahoma during the Final Four of their 2016 national title run — even excellent teams can pale in comparison to bona fide championship rosters — it didn’t prove ruinous to their tournament chances.

For context, Michigan also demolished ranked teams like Auburn (102-72) and Gonzaga (101-61) in neutral site matchups, and the Wildcats had to take on the Wolverines on their home court. If programs with an established standard of success can’t hold a candle to Michigan, the Wildcats are just fine in their first year under Kevin Willard.

As Villanova currently rests on the edge of the NCAA Tournament picture — teams around the edge of the NET’s top 40 typically have a better than even chance of earning an at-large bid — they do need to do more to improve their résumé, however. The Wildcats hold an 0-2 record in Quad 1 matchups and a 7-0 record in Quad 4 games.

Upcoming matchups at home against Pitt and against Wisconsin, technically a neutral site although it will take place in Wisconsin, will provide a better example of how the Wildcats compare than a blowout loss to the hottest team in Division I will.

In a potential down year for the Big East — ESPN bracketologist Joe Lunardi currently has just four of their programs making the tournament — Villanova will need to earn the benefit of the doubt, though.