The play announced to the casual fan what those in Villanova have known for a while: Scottie Reynolds is a clutch player. Those who watched him play on the national stage last season saw it first-hand when he beat Pitt with a late shot, sending the Wildcats to the Final Four.
But that was just one shot. There are plenty of other reasons why the Herndon alum is considered a clutch player. This season — better yet, the past month — have provided ample proof of his prowess under pressure. He does not let bad halves affect him negatively. It’s why he has to be in any conversation regarding national player of the year.
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All he’s done since early January:
» He scored just two points in the first half vs. host West Virginia on Monday night, but added 19 in the final 13 minutes of an 82-75 win.
» In a 90-72 win over Notre Dame on Jan. 27, he scored 13 of his 17 points in the second half, including nine in a pivotal 11-0 run late.
» After Georgetown rallied from 15 down, Reynolds took control in an 82-77 win on Jan. 17. He was perfect on four free throws in the final minute, but his biggest shot came two minutes earlier when he banked in a running jumper and drew a foul, breaking a tie after the Hoyas had rallied from 15 down. He finished with 27 points. He scored 24 in the rematch — 22 after halftime, albeit in a lopsided loss.
» The second half belonged to Reynolds as he scored 30 of his 36 points in a 92-84 win over Louisville on Jan. 11. His line: nine of 10 field goals; five of five 3-pointers; 13 of 17 from the free throw line).
» In a 74-72 win at Marquette on Jan. 2, Reynolds hit the game-winning jumper with 18.1 seconds remaining. Once more, 16 of his 23 points came in the second half.
