Battle of Unbeatens: Villanova v. UConn WBB

[KhalidShockedTheWorld]

Here it is, 7-0 Villanova against 4-0 UConn, which are atop the Big East standings. Villanova features one of the very best players in the Big East, a likely All Big East first team performer in Maddy Siegrist, a 6'1" forward. Siegrist has gone over 30 points twice already and over 15 boards twice, and is coming off a 34 point, 19 rebound game in a 5 point home win over Creighton. After Siegrist, there is only one girl bigger than 6'1", which is 6'4" freshman center Kylie Swider, sister of Cole Swider, who is on the Villanova men's team and is one of their great 3 point shooters.

Their 7-0 doesn't really include any signature wins, but they did beat Temple by 18, St. John's by 9 and Creighton, and if they taste defeat against UConn it will be their first:

Villanova Wildcats 2024-25 Regular Season NCAAW Schedule - ESPN

ESPN has the full 2024-25 Villanova Wildcats Regular Season NCAAW schedule. Includes game times, TV listings and ticket information for all Wildcats games.

www.espn.com

UConn by 25?

 

[the Blades]

	Swider, Kylie	2 games	0	5 mins. total	2.5 mpg

6'4" freshman center Kylie Swider, sister of Cole Swider, who is on the Villanova men's team and is one of their great 3 point shooters.

Is that girl really on the team ? she doesn't even play. Should be another picnic for ONO

 

[KhalidShockedTheWorld]

She's definitely on the team and if she does not play, you are right Blades, ONO is looking at a 4 inch PLUS size advantage on any defender (and it's unlikely they will use Siegrist on her as she is 6'1" and their best offensive player by far), and ONO will be cleaning up again:

Kylie Swider - Women's Basketball - Villanova University

Kylie Swider (21) Forward/Center - 2023-24: Played in six games, including earning a start on Senior Day versus on DePaul…Went 1-of-1 from the field for two points

villanova.com

They also have no one to match up on Edwards, so UConn can have its way inside against this team if it wishes.

Griffin might be the ideal defender on Siegrist.

 

[the Blades]

She's definitely on the team and if she does not play, you are right Blades

Just sarcasm, KSTW, the 6-4 girl plays about as much as Hurley's son plays for Uconn.

 

[KhalidShockedTheWorld]

It looks like Swider has only played in 2 of the 7 games, and in those 2 games played 5 minutes for an average of 2.5 mpg. So she has not played much to date.

Villanova's starting lineup looks like it is 6'1", 6'1" and 6'0" up front, and the guards are 5'11" and 5'6". So they are basically outsized at all positions. Siegrist looks like she is an athletic 6'1", and could be a horse on the boards, so they might want to use Edwards and Griffin and throw size and athleticism at her.

You would like to see ONO tested against some seasoned/strong similarly sized girls, but it's not going to happen in this game.

 

[the Blades]

 

[KhalidShockedTheWorld]

That Blog article says Villanova is hitting 14.2% on 3s. That might be just Big East games because the stats posted on their website show they are hitting 26.3% based on making 45 out of 171. That's an awful percentage for a team taking that many 3s (almost 25 attempted a game). Villanova is, despite their limited size, a good rebounding team, out-rebounding opponents by 7 a game. They are also unselfish- 136 assists as a team is almost averaging 20 per game.

I am going to say UConn by 25, but I would like to see if UConn will press like they did against Xavier to get the game sped up. That's the game that favors UConn.

 

[KhalidShockedTheWorld]

Edwards out with a sprained ankle in practice. In walking boot- not good! Baylor game is 2 weeks away!!!!!!!!

UConn is a 7 girl team tonight with Muhl also out with the foot injury-The Magnificent 7, but they need to step it up!

 

[KhalidShockedTheWorld]

UConn trashed Villanova with great games from all 3 guards!! 3 headed guard monster!

Chrystyn Williams, 18 points, 8 boards, 7 assists
Evie Westbrook 17 points, 8 boards, 5 assists
Paige Bueckers, 19 points, 6 boards, 5 assists

Bueckers well on her way to winning Big East Freshman of the Week for the 3rd straight week. She is going to retire the award by midseason.

Also-
Olivia Nelson Ododa, 19 points, 6 boards

Bench: Griffin and McLean, 7 points each

Sour note: 5-17 on 3s; UConn just hasn't shot the 3 ball well on the season.

 

[CaNOLEE]

Evie played her best game. She’s gives you a Kia nurse like impact, but in a different, more well rounded way. Very good player.

Anna is struggling with her shot, but she chips in 9 rebounds And good passing.

Good Big minutes from Griff and Mir. Although, we obviously need Edwards back ASAP.

 

[KhalidShockedTheWorld]

Makurat started out last season struggling with her shooting as well, but have to think she will come around. She is going to be needed when they play zone defenses.