As Villanova's (16-2, 5-1) biggest fan in Bethpage, NY (Long Island), I was frustrated, shocked, hopeful, and amused by their performance, or rather Creighton's performance, when the two teams played last Monday night. If you didn't watch that game and missed the highlights the next day, Creighton opened with at least nine straight three pointers (maybe 10, I'd prefer not to know the exact number), most of which were stuck clean not by 25 ppg scorer and Wooden Award lock Doug McDermott, but by senior Ethan Wragge (27 points on nine three total, 12 ppg on 50 percent shooting from three on the season). It ended 96-68.

Sort of like those close reading required in college Enlighs classes, I'll be watching their first game since (2:00 pm EST at Marquette (11-8, 3-3)) with increased attention, not just because of my fanhood, but to add depth to the research question, "How does a team react after such a disastrous loss?"

On his team's psyche after the loss, Jay Wright gave the obvious (but probably accurate) description, even if it wasn't so obvious to him.

"I've probably never been a part of a game like that where I didn't feel concerned about our team after the game," he told the school's website Thursday. "They came back with a great attitude. It's a really unique group that way. It was business as usual even with a new attention to detail."

Wright's mostly right, given Creighton's absurd shooting and his team's performance before that game (just one loss, to #2 Syracuse). Yet, as a fan it left me wondering if Villanova -- and Wright -- are equipped to handle in-game adjustments. When they're not forcing turnovers with their high energy trap defense, will they simmer down and re-assess their strategy?

That's one of the cruxes of this team. Their stubbornness and "we want it more than you" outlook is why they're so good, and why they're usually so good under Wright. But that same characteristic hurts them every so often, like against Creighton. Wright called a time out after the fourth or fifth "3"; Yet, after that he basically allowed his team to play with the same defensive strategy even as three pointers continued at a steady drizzle (just annoying enough to notice for the opposing fan). In the second half, however, Creighton simply played better basketball, not just better three point basketball.

I'm wondering the same thing most Wildcat fans are: how much will Villanova learn from their Blue Jay beat down? Teams get hot sometimes; that's part of the game. Perhaps not one program in the country would have beaten Creighton that night, but more than a few would have made the necessary adjustments to keep the game a little closer.

Against Syracuse, it was Villanova's offense that was exposed. Against Creighton, it was their usually sound defense. Here's to hoping the losses were necessary growing pains.

A win today at Marquette, never an easy place to play, is necessary. A blowout would indicate (to me) the Wildcats might be a better team for having seen Creighton at their very best. A loss could mean a period of transition for the Wildcats. Favored by just three, Vegas isn't so sure about Villanova anymore. I'll take the bait and pick the cover.

For live radio broadcast, try Villanova's basketball page.

Regular season: 4-6

Picking Schedule:

Butler @ Creighton: L (picked Butler, +10.5)

UConn @ Memphis: L (picked Memphis, -7.5)

Depaul @ Villanova: W (picked Villanova, -17.5)

Pittsburg @ Syracuse: L (picked Syracuse, -5.5)

Creighton @ Villanova: L (picked Villanova, -6.5)

Baylor @ Kansas: W (picked Baylor, + 10.5)

Indiana @ Michigan State: L (picked Michigan State, -12)

Iowa @ Michigan: L (picked Iowa, + 1.5)

Colorado @ Arizona: W (picked Colorado, + 14.5)

Illinois @ Ohio State: W (picked Illinois, + 11)