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Villanova Men's Basketball

Villanova Picks Up Quad 2 Win Over Butler, Climbs NET Rankings

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Villanova Men’s Basketball picked up an exhilarating win over the Butler Bulldogs on Wednesday, Jan. 1, reeling off a 22-1 run in the last five minutes and staging a double digit comeback.

The road win over a tough Big East opponent gave the Wildcats a seven spot boost in the NET rankings, moving them from No. 70 to No. 63. Villanova possesses a 1-2 record in Quad 1 games — their loss to Creighton reclassified from Quad 2 to Quad 1 after the Blue Jays’ upset win over St. John’s — 1-2 in Quad 2 games, including the win over Butler, 1-1 in Quad 3 games, including their brutal early season loss to Columbia, and a perfect 6-0 record in Quad 4 games.

Before the Saturday, Dec. 21 loss to Creighton, Villanova occupied the No. 63 spot. Now, they’re back to square 1. The KenPom ratings like the Wildcats better, slotting them in at No. 52 with an offensive rating of 122.1, good for sixth in the nation.

A 309th ranked nonconference strength of schedule and the 201st ranked strength of schedule overall (per KenPom) means that the Wildcats will need to stack wins during conference play. As things stand right now, they’re probably on the outside looking in when it comes to NCAA Tournament hopes. With 68 spots available in the Big Dance, the No. 63 spot is too close for comfort, especially once bid stealers start rearing their ugly heads.

Villanova’s next game, at home against DePaul on Saturday, Jan. 4, won’t do much to boost their résumé, but a loss could sink their chances. The Blue Demons currently sit at No. 89 in the NET rankings, meaning a home game will only count as a Quad 3 matchup.

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