We know about Scottie Reynolds. We know about the Coreys. We know about that superlative recruiting class. But No. 5/6 Villanova showed just how deep and talented it is by beating No. 18/21 Dayton, 71-65, yesterday in the semifinals of the O’Reilly Auto Parts Puerto Rico Tip-Off in San Juan, P.R.

Remember, Mouphtaou Yarou was sent home because of a viral infection. But 6-11 redshirt freshman Maurice Sutton had four points, eight rebounds and two blocks in Yarou’s place, and he earned the effusive praise of Wildcats coach Jay Wright afterward, according to The Inquirer. And while many of the ‘Cats’ shooters continue to have a tough time, Duke transfer Taylor King is showing he will give Villanova that solid perimeter sniper option this season. King played 31 minutes and was 4-for-8 from 3-point range, totaling 14 points. For the season, King is now 0 of 17 (52.9 percent) on 3s.

The rest of the Wildcats, meanwhile, were just 1 of 11 from beyond the arc. And Reynolds, who had those eight turnovers in the close-but-not-quite win over George Mason on Thursday, was just 3-for-12 on all field goals. But Corey Fisher had 18 points and was 10 of 12 from the line, including 4-for-4 in the final 2:10, to thwart Dayton’s near-comeback. The Flyers (2-1) had trailed by 18 with 14 minutes left, but they were within 62-60 with a little more than two minutes to go.

And don’t forget: Reggie Redding is still ineligible for a few more weeks, which means Villanova is actually going to get deeper.

The ‘Cats (4-0) play Mississippi in the tournament’s title game tomorrow night at 8. ESPN2 will be carrying the game, and who wants to watch Eagles-Bears anyway?

Links: Other guys make a difference for ‘Nova against Dayton [The Inquirer]
Redding out for fall semester [BIG FIVE POST]