Villanova Wildcats (4-1) vs. Old Dominion Monarchs (3-4)
Where?: Finneran Pavilion (Villanova, PA)
When?: Tuesday, November 25, 7:00 pm
Betting Line: Villanova -21.5 (subject to change)
how to listen:Villanova Sports Radio Network
About this Old Dominion: The Monarchs remain in the Sun Belt Conference, where they were picked to finish fifth (with two first-place votes) out of 14 teams. Bryce Lindsey’s old school, James Madison, was chosen to remain in first place. Old Dominion also has the Sun Belt Preseason Player of the Year in 6’6” guard Robert Davis Jr. The junior from Detroit, MI has struggled out of the gate, averaging just 7.8 points per game on 29.3% shooting from the field (and 25% from three-point range). Senior guard Jordan Battle was selected to the All-Sun Belt Third Team and coincidentally, he is third on his own team in scoring so far with an average of 10.6. Points per game on 37% from the floor (and 33.3% from deep). Through the first seven games, the Monarchs are led by senior guards Casey Shaw and LJ Thomas, a 6’4″ transfer from Maryland Eastern Shore, are averaging 14.2 points on 44.8% shooting from the field. Thomas, a 6’2″ transfer from Austin Peay, is averaging 13.4 points on 59.6% shooting. Neither Shaw nor Thomas rely on three-pointers for their scoring, making an average of 0.4 per game. Old Dominion is coming off a 75–71 loss to its city rival Drexel (Shaw missed the game due to injury). The Monarchs also faced Big East rival Xavier early in the year, losing. 99-69 in Cincinnati.
Notes on Nova: The Wildcats got a much-needed rest after a tough road trip to La Salle, where they got a 70-55 win. The game against the Explorers was the first time this season that Villanova had all of its players available. Tafara Gapare returned after a two-game absence, and Zion Stanford scored his first point in his second game back from his ankle injury. The Monarchs have some size up front in 7′ senior center Callum Swanton-Rodgers, but otherwise start a four-guard lineup. The Wildcats should be able to continue their impressive advantage in this one. Look for Matt Hodge to move inside more, as well as more small ball lineups from Coach Willard.
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