COACH: Jay Wright, 10 years at Villanova, seven years in NCAA tournament.
HOW THEY GOT IN: At-large bid.
GO-TO GUYS: Villanova relies on its backcourt, particularly seniors Corey Fisher and Corey Stokes. The Wildcats' two leading scorers can make baskets from beyond the arc as well as driving to the basket, but Stokes is dangerous from anywhere across half court if left unattended. Maalik Wayns has enjoyed a breakout sophomore campaign. Antonio Pena isn't a primary offensive option on most possessions, but leave him unguarded at your peril -- he's automatic when he gets a good look at the basket inside the paint.
X FACTOR: Wright didn't need to coach the Wildcats in the days leading up to Selection Sunday as much as he needed to psychoanalyze them. Villanova enters the Big Dance on a five-game losing streak, capped off by a collapse against South Florida in the opening round of the Big East tournament, a game in which it blew a 16-point lead in the second half.
STRENGTHS: The loss to South Florida was so shocking because it's hard to come back against the Wildcats. Villanova is the best free-throw shooting team in the Big East, making 76 percent of its attempts. The Wildcats are strong defensively and on the glass, and have multiple scoring options to worry about in the backcourt. Stopping one or two of the guards can be accomplished, but few opponents have been able to shut down all three.
WEAKNESSES: First, the obvious. Villanova ended the regular season in freefall, and continued that with the epic collapse against South Florida at the Big East tournament. This isn't a team that enters the NCAAs with a lot of confidence. In addition, the Wildcats are banged-up entering the postseason. Stokes is dealing with a pulled left hamstring, and Fisher is battling knee tendinitis. Big man Mouphtaou Yarou missed the second half of the South Florida game and was not participating fully in practice in the days leading up to Selection Sunday.
