Villanova (Doesn’t) Run on Dunkin’

Guest Blogger: Terence Mann

Since the Jay Wright era began in 2001-2002, the ‘Cats are a mediocre 5-5 at “The Dunk” with 2 of the 5 wins requiring OT. They are 4-4 against Providence in those 10 games and 1-1 in the NCAA Tournament including a miracle comeback against Robert Morris and a 75-68 shocking defeat to St. Mary’s to end the Final Four repeat dream in 2010. In the 10 games played in Providence since 2001 Villanova has been favored to win in all but 1 game.

So what gives? Is Jay just more of a Starbucks guy?

In the 5 losses Villanova averaged 15.8 turnovers per game. Not great but in their wins, they averaged 17.6. 3 of the 4 losses to Providence came in Jay’s 1^st 3 years as coach – The ‘Cats led the conference in TO’s 2 of those seasons, so it is ironic that the rate of sloppy ball handling has actually improved over the last decade, and thus likely not the cause for the trouble against the Friars.

Villanova has not shot the ball well in Rhode Island either. 4 times in the 5 losses we shot 40% or less from the field and exceeded 45% only twice in 10 tries. Maybe it’s difficult to shoot in an arena with fewer fans than empty seats. So poor shooting as well as poor shot selection in the most recent loss certainly played a role.

In the end though, I must just chalk this up to overall poor play on the road under Coach Wright. It could be lack of focus or perhaps it’s the comfortable quarters on West Campus that makes us better at home. Whatever the cause, it’s certainly a cause for alarm in my book. Yes the Big East is grueling, and it is important to hold court at home, but championships are won on the road (at least away from the Main Line).

Here is Jay’s record at some other notable Big East venues in his tenure – I think the results speak for themselves:

Petersen Events Center: 0-2

WVU Coliseum: 1-2

Hartford Civic Center: 0-3

I’m not ready to push the panic button just yet, but my fingers are on it and twitching. Hopefully the seniors get focused on the remainder of the schedule, and now. Although we have some home cooking coming up on the schedule, the competition will be tough, and ultimately may determine this team’s fate. This might still be a memorable run – I just hope it is not memorable in the way of St. Mary’s 2010.