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Message: [QUOTE="Hey Adrien!, post: 5198557, member: 5787"] In UConn’s first matchup against Villanova, the Huskies got a taste of the formula of Villanova’s success: a crapload of Eric Dixon (23 points, but on 6-for-20 shooting) on offense with Wooga Poplar (18 points, 3-for-6 from three) and Jordan Longino (12 points, 2-for-3 from three) providing versatile secondary scoring. Both UConn (1.12 PPP) and Villanova (1.15 PPP) were efficient on offense, but a favorable whistle to Villanova forced UConn to get to the line just twice. This time around, on their home court and with Liam McNeeley back, UConn is better equipped to face Villanova as the Huskies look to split the regular season series. [ATTACH type="full" alt="Screenshot 2025-02-17 at 1.54.03 PM.jpg"]107088[/ATTACH] Although the defensively stout Enoch Boakye has started every game at center, Neptune’s most commonly used rotations lately have been small-ball, five-out looks with Dixon at the 5 and Poplar at the 4, a rotation that maximizes offensive efficiency, but makes Villanova much weaker on defense and on the boards. One matchup of note: Jhamir Brickus against UConn’s smallest guard. I loved Brickus at La Salle, but at Villanova he’s been a pass-first savvy veteran point guard who is easily Villanova’s weakest defender. Solo Ball had 16 points last matchup, so he is poised for another big game. McNeeley’s return is obviously a boost on offense, but more so on defense, as McNeeley will be paired up with Poplar often as Poplar’s scoring/handle combo will have a higher chance to be harassed with McNeeley’s long reach and defensive intensity. Although attacking the rim isn’t really in Villanova’s wheelhouse, just wanted to note that guys like Brickus and Tyler Perkins all possess that ability to breakdown the defender and get to the rack, so something of note. I expect another slow-paced, meticulously played game, but here's to hoping to the whistle going more towards out favor tomorrow. Let's Go Huskies! [/QUOTE]

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