Villanova Wildcats (30-7) vs. Kansas Jayhawks (32-6)
Top performers: Ochai Agbaji is averaging 18.9 points and 5.2 rebounds for the Jayhawks. Jalen Wilson is averaging 7.8 points over the last 10 games for Kansas. Collin Gillespie is scoring 15.6 points per game with 3.9 rebounds and 3.3 assists for the Wildcats. Jermaine Samuels is averaging 9.3 points and 5.1 rebounds over the past 10 games for Villanova.
Last 10 games: Jayhawks: 9-1, averaging 74.6 points, 40.2 rebounds, 13.7 assists,
5.3 steals and 6.4 blocks per game while shooting 44.1% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 60.5 points per game. Wildcats: 9-1, averaging 63.2 points, 32.2 rebounds, 9.1 assists, 5.0 steals and 2.3 blocks per game while shooting 38.2% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 54.0 points.
ADVANCED STATS Kansas Pomeroy rank: Strengths:
4
The Jayhawks rank seventh in the nation in adjusted offensive efficiency, and perhaps more importantly, they aren’t really deficient in any major category. They’re 18th in adjusted defensive efficiency, and their offense ranks in the top 70 in field goal percentage from both inside and outside the arc.
Weaknesses: Kansas doesn’t have many glaring problems, but the Jayhawks are only 159th in defensive rebounding percentage, meaning a team that can attack the offensive glass could be a problem. Kansas is also 116th in turnover percentage on offense — not awful, but a good bit worse than the other three teams in this Final Four.
In this tournament: Opponents have made only 29.6% of their 3-pointers against Kansas this season. That’s the type of thing that could even out over time — but it hasn’t in this tournament so far. In the Sweet 16, Providence went 4 of 23 from long distance in a five-point loss to the Jayhawks. In the regional final, Miami went 3 of 21 against Kansas.
Villanova Pomeroy rank: Strengths:
9
Foul Villanova at your own risk. Wildcats are shooting 83% on free throws, meaning they have a chance to break the Division I record of 82.2% set by Harvard in 1984.
Weaknesses: Villanova shoots only 49.9% from 2-point range, which isn’t a huge problem given how much damage the Wildcats can do from 3, but it’s an issue. Villanova is also another team that isn’t great on the defensive glass.
In this tournament: The Wildcats rely a lot on the 3, and they also allow a lot of 3-point attempts. That arrangement tends to work out in Villanova’s favor, and it has over the past four games. The Wildcats have made 35 3-pointers in the tournament, and opponents have made only 17.