Why tonight is a must win vs. Villanova:
Ok, not a must must win, but as close as there can be at this point.
At 4-4, a quick look at the standings show that 9 of 11 Big East teams are at one win below .500 or better. Without analyzing each team's record so far, it's very fair to say all 9 are capable of playing good basketball and stay around .500 all season. 10-10 will surely not get an at large bid, and 11-9 may not get a bid if that's a 6th or 7th place finish.
IMO if we get to 11-9 we have a good shot at a bid, 12-8 would be a lock.
While it's way to early to project final records, 4-5 would require a strong finish (7-4 or 8-3) to secure a bid. It also could put us in 9th place by the weekend, a gigantic tumble.
Also tonight will close out our first season series and we can do that with a sweep. Trust me, Villanova knows the home loss puts them in the hole vs. a team that is merely good. They will come out fighting to reverse the home loss.
Big game. Maybe pivotal and essential.
Go Johnnies! Go zuby, Joel, Jenk, Brady, Ledlum, Dingle, Glenn, RJ, Traore!