First thoughts after No. 1 Villanova’s victory over No. 23/22 Notre Dame.
By PAUL GOTHAM
Josh Hart netted a career-high 37 points, and Villanova, which trailed by as many as 11, went on to defeat Notre Dame, 74-66. With the win Villanova matched a program record with its 16th straight victory dating back to last season.
Matters of the Hart
Hart was the only Wildcat in double figures. The senior guard hit 10 of 14 shots from the perimeter including three of four from long range and all 14 of his free throw attempts. He led teammate Jalen Brunson for a layup and Villanova’s first lead of the game at 57-56 with 9:02 remaining in the contest. He grabbed a game-high 11 rebounds, handed out four assists and collected two steals.
Defending the Arc
Villanova held Notre Dame to 4-16 (25 percent) from behind the arc. The Irish came into the game hitting 41.3 percent from long range and connecting 11 times a game. The Irish average 26.6 attempts per contest. None of this happened by accident. Villanova extended its defense and disrupted ND’s perimeter rhythm. At the same, the Wildcats kept their interior protection tight. ND’s 27 made field goals were three less than their average. Their 16 assists also three short of their efforts leading into the game. Villanova forced ND to take more shots inside the arc.
Streak Snapped
Coming into the contest, he Irish had defeated four straight reigning national champions including a pair of victories over Duke last season. The Irish took down 2012 national champ Kentucky and 2011 champ UConn.
Farrell’s Influence
Notre Dame Matt Farrell hit eight of 13 shots and dished a game-high six helpers. Farrell matched teammate Steve Vasturia with ND’s team high of 18 points. The junior guard scored or assisted on 12 of Notre Dame’s first 20 made field goals. The Irish finished with 27 made field goals for the game. Farrell had his hand in on 14 of those.
Bridges Climb
Not to be forgotten was this one by Mikal Bridges:
Bridges CLIMBS THE LADDER for @NovaMBB.
Great finish on the way in this one. https://t.co/WQaLMakPag
— CBS Sports CBB (@CBSSportsCBB) December 10, 2016
And Then There Were Seven
Villanova improved to 10-0 on the season and handed the Irish (9-1) their first setback. The Wildcats are one of seven undefeated teams remaining in the NCAA Division I men’s basketball: Baylor (8-0), Creighton (10-0), Gonzaga (9-0), South Carolina (8-0), UCLA (9-0) and USC (8-0). Going back to 2000, that’s the fewest number of undefeateds at this point of the season. Ken Pomeroy provides a chart of undefeateds through the years here.
Up Next
Notre Dame plays No. 18 Purdue next Saturday in the Crossroads Classic. Villanova takes on Temple in a Philadelphia Big 5 matchup.
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