Regional Final Texas Tech vs. Villanova: Preview and Prediction

This region has lacked the surprises of some of the others and we get a matchup of two really good teams that could be National Champions when all is said and done. Villanova, for my money, has been the best team in the nation from the start of the year until now. Texas Tech has been one of the more underrated teams and will pose some problems for the Wildcats.

Keys to Texas Tech win?

Defend the perimeter. Villanova is the best shooting team in the country, making an average of 11 three-point shots a game and shooting over 40 percent from behind the arc. Texas Tech does have a slight advantage underneath on the boards and if they can defend the three-point shot and rebound they have a real shot to win this game. Keenan Evans (17.7 ppg) and Justin Gray (15.1 ppg) will need to have great games on offense for the Red Raiders to have a shot in this one.

Keys to Villanova win?

Take care of the ball because Texas Tech is better defensively than West Virginia is and they will attack the Wildcats all night. If Villanova can protect the ball, they will win this game, as long as they can stay near even on the boards and have a solid shooting night. The real difference in this game may very well be Jalen Brunson, who has been one of the top two or three players in the nation this season.

Prediction: Villanova is the best team left in this tournament and they have too many weapons offensively for Texas Tech. Remember though they call it March Madness for a reason and the Red Raiders are a very good team.

Villanova 79  Texas Tech 67