Creighton and Cuse abused them from 3. That's how Butler stayed in that OT game too. They also just don't really have the offensive firepower to stay in a game when a team gets hot on them. And Creighton is the second best offense in the country in terms of efficiency.

I think it has more to do with Creighton being better than people think. Unless you have a guy that can slow McDermott 1-on-1 (which very few exist), you'll have to outscore them, or at worst play stellar perimeter D and force them to drive and create. I actually thought Nova did a decent job of the latter yesterday (I doubt Creighton even took 20 3 attempts, they were forced into looking back door or dribble-drive much of the game)... but they got demoralized by McDermott early and never really tried to get back into it. McDermott has been on a Durant-esque roll lately. There were a number of plays in which he was defended very very well... but the shots still went in. He also doesn't demand the ball like most stars, which really hurts how you defend them; he has no problem simply being the distraction and making defenders cheat toward him (I'd kill to play with a guy like that-- you get open jumpers all game).

The big question I have re: Villanova is their toughness, which is odd considering how strong they've been in the Big East and their resume, which includes neutral court wins against Kansas and Iowa. I have no idea why you don't simply Gilooly McDermott and company, show them the penalty for trying to take it to the rack. Nova simply gave up defending the drive. They knew they were going to lose and quit. Really odd.

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