Much more of a traditional Villanova performance tonight. It all started with the defense. Both teams were ice cold early, but the Nova defense forced 12 first-half turnovers, allowing them to take a 13 point lead at the break.
The defensive effort continued in the second half, and the offense hit its stride, leading to a Villanova blowout, 78-57. Defensively the Cats were aggressive and cohesive. Defensive breakdowns were basically non-existent. Villanova was able to keep Enechionyia in check, limiting him to 8 points, 11 below his average, and in doing so were able to control the game.
Offensively, they moved off the ball, shared the ball, and were patient and unselfish, routinely passing up a good shot for a better one. It was a terrific all around performance and the kind we've grown accustomed to seeing from Nova.
The seniors have now completed a 16-0 run in the Big 5, and have won those 16 games by an average of 21 points.
Nova had four players in double figures. Hart led the way with 26. Brunson had 13 and six assists. Jenkins and Paschall each had 12, and they each had six rebounds as well. Bridges had 5 points on just three shots, to go along with five rebounds, 4 assists, and a steal. Reynolds had a very efficient seven points on 2-2 shooting and 3-3 from the foul stripe and six rebounds. Painter and Delaney even cracked the score sheet, each grabbing a rebound.
Nova shot 46% from the floor and 40% from three, and were again stellar at the foul line, where they knocked down 18 of 20 attempts. They held Temple to just 37% from the floor and 36% from three, and like Notre Dame on Saturday, the Owls only attempted six free throws. The Cats lost the battle on the boards 34-31, but forced 18 Temple turnovers. Nova committed 12 turnovers, but several of them were late, with the game long decided, and they took care of the ball well overall. Villanova also assisted on 19 of 25 made baskets.
Not much to dislike in this one. Jenkins found his stroke, hitting 4-6 from behind the arc. Brunson, Bridges continued their consistent solid play, while Hart continued his march toward postseason accolades. I feel like I say this every game, but Paschall's energy was great. He continued to show impressive footwork, and an ability to find open space on the court. Everybody played their role beautifully, and the result was a classic Villanova performance and another blowout win.
Now a long break for Nova, as they close out the non-conference schedule next Wednesday against American.
The defensive effort continued in the second half, and the offense hit its stride, leading to a Villanova blowout, 78-57. Defensively the Cats were aggressive and cohesive. Defensive breakdowns were basically non-existent. Villanova was able to keep Enechionyia in check, limiting him to 8 points, 11 below his average, and in doing so were able to control the game.
Offensively, they moved off the ball, shared the ball, and were patient and unselfish, routinely passing up a good shot for a better one. It was a terrific all around performance and the kind we've grown accustomed to seeing from Nova.
The seniors have now completed a 16-0 run in the Big 5, and have won those 16 games by an average of 21 points.
Nova had four players in double figures. Hart led the way with 26. Brunson had 13 and six assists. Jenkins and Paschall each had 12, and they each had six rebounds as well. Bridges had 5 points on just three shots, to go along with five rebounds, 4 assists, and a steal. Reynolds had a very efficient seven points on 2-2 shooting and 3-3 from the foul stripe and six rebounds. Painter and Delaney even cracked the score sheet, each grabbing a rebound.
Nova shot 46% from the floor and 40% from three, and were again stellar at the foul line, where they knocked down 18 of 20 attempts. They held Temple to just 37% from the floor and 36% from three, and like Notre Dame on Saturday, the Owls only attempted six free throws. The Cats lost the battle on the boards 34-31, but forced 18 Temple turnovers. Nova committed 12 turnovers, but several of them were late, with the game long decided, and they took care of the ball well overall. Villanova also assisted on 19 of 25 made baskets.
Not much to dislike in this one. Jenkins found his stroke, hitting 4-6 from behind the arc. Brunson, Bridges continued their consistent solid play, while Hart continued his march toward postseason accolades. I feel like I say this every game, but Paschall's energy was great. He continued to show impressive footwork, and an ability to find open space on the court. Everybody played their role beautifully, and the result was a classic Villanova performance and another blowout win.
Now a long break for Nova, as they close out the non-conference schedule next Wednesday against American.