Monday, February 9, 2009

Guest Contributor Ray Floriani: Nova Women vs Seton Hall Women

By Ray Floriani

SOUTH ORANGE, NJ – As the men were putting the finishing touches on an impressive win over Syracuse, about 90 miles up the road the women were tipping it off at Seton Hall. The Wildcats edged the Hall 54-52on Saturday afternoon in a game played at Villanova’s half court pace.

The Four Factors :

eFG%FT RtOR%TO%Eff.
Villanova4930202592
Seton Hall3631322184


For the game, ‘Nova had 59 possessions and Seton Hall 61. Just about the pace you would expect from the Wildcats. Seton Hall, on the other hand, outside of a little full court pressure the second half, was quite content with the tempo and didn’t force the issue.

Villanova scored one field goal the last four minutes. It was a conventional three point play by leading scorer Laura Kurz(18 points) and put ‘Nova ahead to stay.

Villanova had an effective field goal percentage of 67% the first half. Cats were 4 of 10 from three and 8 of 12 (67%0 from inside the arc. Better defense by the Hall the second half left Harry Perretta’s club just under 50 in eFG.

Another first half note. Villanova’s offensive rebounding percentage the first 20 minutes was 0%. That’s right, the Wildcats had no offensive boards by intermission.

Surprised at ‘Nova’s high turnover rate. Chalk it to perception. When teams are running and throwing the ball away turnovers stand out. In a half court setting you do not notice them as easily.

For the game it came down to a late second half stretch. During that roughly 4 minutes with under 10 to play, Seton Hall had a few very good looks and close in opportunities by usually reliable finishers. The Pirates failed to capitalize. Three or four wasted opportunities is huge in a game of this nature.

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