Villanova NET Rankings: Defense Hurting Wildcats’ Metrics

The closer Villanova Men’s Basketball gets to the top of metrics like the NET and KenPom ratings, the harder the climb becomes… and further defensive struggles will complicate that journey. The Wildcats (14-3, 5-1 Big East) made it into the top 20 in early January before a loss to Crieghton dropped them roughly ten spots. While they’ve won two road games since then, picking up a Quadrant 3 win over Marquette and a Quadrant 2 win over Providence, the metrics will take longer to forgive Villanova for each loss they suffer.

The Jan. 13 win over the Friars did nothing to improve their standing in the NET, as they remained at No. 29; KenPom actually demoted them one spot to No. 25. Defense is the chief metrical issue for Villanova right now. Per KenPom, their defensive efficiency has fallen from No. 25 to No. 41 since the Creighton game. 

The Wildcats are allowing opposing offenses to make 35.1 percent of their threes, the No. 281 mark out of the 365 teams in Division I basketball, while their overall shooting defense ranks No. 180. Villanova’s ability to force turnovers and slow opponents down helps to balance out some of those issues but, even for a young team that could continue to gel, it’s an area to pay close attention to.

Even with media members ready to sign off on the Wildcats as a tournament team, those factors could prove the difference between an at-large bid — certainly a success in year one of the Kevin Willard era — and a team capable of playing into the second weekend.