The Villanova Wildcats got some great guard play from Allan Ray and Kyle Lowry, along with an unexpected double-double from post player Will Sheridan, to nip the top-ranked Huskies, 69-64. Ray started out ice cold, so it was all Lowry in the first half. He scored 16 of his 18 points on mostly driving layups against UConn’s formidable frontcourt.
In the second half, after a UConn run put them up 12, Ray calmly took over the game, hitting five straight three-pointers to key the Wildcats win. He finished with 25 points – 19 in the second half. But the biggest boost came from Sheridan, who came into the game averaging 4.5 points and 5.7 boards. Along with Ray, he was a key player in Villanova’s comeback, and finished with 13 points and 10 rebounds against the best frontcourt in the nation.
UConn will still likely be a #1 seed come tournament time. But for the time being, they’ll give up their #1 ranking to Duke, assuming the Blue Devils don’t have a setback this week. Look for Villanova to go deep into the NCAA tournament as well. With all their great guard play, they’ll be a tough out unless someone can exploit their weaknesses inside. If Sheridan can keep playing like he did on Monday, they may be Final Four bound.
