Patrick Zeng
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| USA Today |
Even after the 15 point win on Friday night, the Wildcats poor shooting was a reason for concern. That was not the case on Tuesday night in Philadelphia. Villanova shot 58% from the field and 43% from beyond the arc on their way to 117 points, a Wells Fargo Center record for the Cats.
Mikal Bridges showed why he is projected as a first round NBA talent with a career high 23 points while lighting it up from three. Bridges also pitched in 6 rebounds and
4 blocks as he also made sure his presence was felt on the defensive end. Jalen Brunson also had a fantastic game with 17 points of his own while shooting 78%. His efficiency and poise used in running this offense cannot be understated.
Eric Paschall and Omari Spellman's athleticism were both on full display throughout the game with the two combining for some high flying dunks of their own. Paschall again was able to have his way inside using his strength to shrug off any defenders the Colonels tried throwing at him. Spellman looked much more settled in the first half than he did on Friday night. Spellman showed some excellent passing on his three assists and again proved a force on the glass with 6 rebounds, but also found himself in foul trouble as the redshirt freshman adjusts to the college game. Dhamir Cosby-Roundtree introduced himself to the Nova Nation with some thunderous dunks leading to 8 points along with 6 rebounds off the bench.
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| USA Today |
Donte DiVincenzo again had a large contribution off the bench with 20 points as the Michael Jordan of Delaware continues to impress. As long as he can keep his turnovers down this year, there is no telling what his ceiling may be. Phil Booth had a solid all around game, if anything he will always give Jay Wright's squad a veteran presence and tough defense. True freshman Collin Gillespie again looked good with 10 points to go with 5 assists and 4 rebounds. And Jermaine Samuels was able to get his first collegiate bucket in the books in the waning minutes of Villanova's victory.
Even with the 117 points scored, it was the defense that really impressed for the Cats. Villanova racked up a school record of 13 blocks led by 4 each from Bridges and Spellman. Six Wildcats total registered at least one block as Nicholls State found scoring in the paint extremely perilous. This also helped Nova accumulate 49 rebounds and hold the Colonels to just 39% shooting.
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| USA Today |
Nicholls State tried pressuring Nova with a full court press for much of the game, but the calmness of the Wildcats proved too much as they easily broke through it. The Colonels were led by junior guard Zaquavian Smith, accounting for 25 points, 18 of those coming from the three ball. The rest of the team really struggled from deep only adding 3 made three point attempts. Villanova's multitude of options on offense and suffocating defense overpowered the Colonels into a 113-77 victory.
The 2-0 Villanova Wildcats will host the Lafayette Leopards(0-2) at the PPL Center in Allentown on Friday night.
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