NEW YORK – The opening semifinal game was a nailbiter, a classic rocking the “World’s Most Famous Arena”. Providence defeated regular season champion Xavier in an overtime thriller. The second contest saw Villanova jumping out to a significant early lead to prevent any hopes Butler had in scoring another upset victory.
The scores:
Providence 75, Xavier 72 (OT)
Villanova 87, Butler 68
Points of emphasis:
Another extra session. The Friars won an overtime thriller over Creighton in the quarterfinal. In the semis, Ed Cooley’s group needed the extra five minutes to upset Xavier to the delight of Friar faithful packing MSG. Providence came from 17 down the second half. One of the keys was a more aggressive attack the basket approach on the offensive end. The Friar defense also made a difference. “They turned us over,” Xavier coach Chris Mack said. “We only had ten turnovers for the entire game. But there was a crucial stretch we made a few (turnovers) in a row and suddenly a 17-point game is down to single digits.”
Changes for the better. Mack noted that Providence has altered their offense from earlier in the season. “They have really posted up mismatches than they did earlier in the year. I thought they just willed some baskets in with their toughness.”
Nineteenth nervous breakdown. In 1966 at this time of year it was the title of a great Rolling Stones hit. In the semifinal between Villanova and Butler that number stood out again. Villanova scored the first 19 points of the game. Providence came back from 17 down in the first game, but that is different than being down 19 without getting a bulb lit on the scoreboard. Butler coach LaVall Jordan credited his team for not packing it in. Jordan even pointed out his Bulldogs played Villanova even (point-wise) following that horrendous start. A point definitely in Butler’s favor. The prior evening, Butler played an excellent game upsetting Seton Hall in the quarterfinals. Right from the opening tip, Villanova was not about to let that happen.
Villanova may be the team to beat. A lot of discussion these days is how wide open the NCAA tournament is. Jay Wright’s group may just be at the head of the class. More than a title contender. Maybe a favorite. They have a number of offensive weapons beginning and certainly not ending with Mikal Bridges. They defend very well, and they are also rejuvenated. As March rolls on Villanova has a decidedly upbeat mindset. As Wright noted, the season has been broken down into parts. First was the time before losing guard Phil Booth to an injury. The next, adjusting mid-season to his absence. Now, the third, having Booth back in the fold and making further changes to accommodate the Junior guard’s return. “It’s been kind of a weird season,” Wright said. “With the injuries we made changes in how we play. Now everyone is back, and at this time I think we are like a new team rather than a team that might be getting stale.” Not good news for ‘Nova opposition.
Wright was asked if he ever saw anything like the 19-0 run. “Yeah,” he replied light heartedly. “Creighton did that to us, remember, at the Wells Fargo Center? Wasn’t it something like that?”
Obviously this time of year with so much on the line, seniors are extremely valuable. Providence seniors Rodney Bullock (17 points, seven rebounds) and Kyron Cartwright (15 points, six assists) played major roles. Not to be forgotten are the young players Cooley asked to step up. And they did, especially when Providence was making a second-half comeback. Sophomore guard Alpha Diallo tied Bullock for team scoring honors with 17 while adding six boards and three assists. Nate Watson, a 6’10” freshman also responded with a strong 14 point 4 rebound effort.
Defensively, Providence did an excellent job keeping Xavier star Trevon Bluiett off balance. Cooley admires the talent of the Xavier senior, and naturally, slowing him down was a priority. Bluiett finished with 13 points while shooting just 1 of 7 from the floor. Leading Xavier was 6’10” Kerem Kanter, scoring 18 points while, in a stat sheet double take, not getting a rebound.
