VILLANOVA BASKETBALL

NO. 4 VILLANOVA VS. NO. 12 GONZAGA AT MADISON SQUARE GARDEN, 7 P.M.

TV/Radio:

(610 AM)

Records:

ESPN/WTEL

Villanova Gonzaga (7-1). (8-0),

Probable starters for Villanova:

Jalen Brunson 6-3 Jr. G (17.9 ppg, 3.1 rpg, 4.5 apg), Mikal Bridges 6-7 RJr G/F (17.9 ppg, 6.3 rpg, 1.9 apg), Phil Booth 6-3 RJr. G (11.1 ppg, 3.1 rpg, 2.8 agp), Eric Paschall 6-7 RJr. F (10.4 ppg, 5.5 rpg), Omari Spellman 6-8 RFr. F (9.0 ppg, 7.4 rpg).

Probable starters for Gonzaga:

Johnathan Williams 6-9 RSr. F (15.9 ppg, 6.9 rpg), Josh Perkins 6-3 RJr. G (14.3 ppg, 3.8 rpg, 4.5 apg), Killian Tillie 6-20 So. F (12.4 ppg, 6.9 rpg), Silas Melson 6-4 Sr. G (11.4 ppg, 3.4 rpg., 3.1 apg.) Zach Norvell Jr 6-5 RFr. G (10.0 ppg, 2.9 rpg, 2.75 apg).

A look at Villanova:

This will be the toughest test yet for the Wildcats. It’s their first meeting against a ranked opponent. The Garden has been a home away from home for the Wildcats. They’re 11-1 in the “World’s Most Famous Arena” since 2001. Spellman is on a roll. The 6-8 redshirt freshman forward is 13-for-20 from the field and is averaging 15 points, nine rebounds and 3.5 blocked shots in the last two games. Jalen Brunson, meanwhile, is shooting 64 percent fromt he field overall and 51 percent from 3-point range and leads the team in scoring while taking just 10.25 shots per game. Bridges is shooting 56 percent overall and 50 percent from deep.

A look at Gonzaga:

The Zags entered the season with 129 wins over the last four years, the same number as the Wildcats. Gonzaga’s lone loss was a 111-105 decision in double overtime to No. 5 Florida, and they’re coming off a 91-74 romp over then No. 25 Creighton. Melson (21 points), Norvell (21) and Rui Hachimura (20) all scored career highs against the Bluejays. Perkins ranks 12th in the NCAA with 3.6 3-point field goals made per game. Gonzaga may have size, but the Zags are not afraid to launch the ball from deep. Gonzaga is 22nd in 3-pointers made per game (10.6) and 49th in 3-point field goal percentage (39.7).