After starting the season 7-0, Villanova suffered their first loss of the season Monday night against Oklahoma by a score of 78-55. Josh Hart, Ryan Arcidiacono, and Phil Booth each had 10 points for the Wildcats. Oklahoma's Isaiah Cousins led all scorers with 19 points.
Jay Wright and the Wildcats knew they would have their hands full with this year's Oklahoma squad. Guard Buddy Hield was one of the preseason favorites for the Naismith Award, which goes to the best player in the nation each season. He showed why he was considered for such an honor tonight, dropping 18 points while going 4-9 from downtown. Hield and Cousins are one of the best backcourt combos in the nation, and really gave Arcidiacono and Brunson a challenge.
Speaking of Jalen Brunson, it was a good learning experience for the freshman, who has been excellent so far this season. It's a tall order to send a freshman point guard against an upperclassman like Hield. He went for just 6 points on 3-13 shooting, but Brunson can take what he learned tonight and improve on his game.
Ochefu had just eight points, but was good on the boards, grabbing ten rebounds on the night. He had a tough matchup himself against Ryan Spangler, and did okay in the matchup.
All in all, it wasn't a good night for Villanova. They seemed out matched and couldn't compete with Oklahoma's experienced lineup. Hopefully they can take what they learned tonight and get ready for their next game.
By: Dan Goggin
Follow us on twitter @BroadStBeat
Speaking of Jalen Brunson, it was a good learning experience for the freshman, who has been excellent so far this season. It's a tall order to send a freshman point guard against an upperclassman like Hield. He went for just 6 points on 3-13 shooting, but Brunson can take what he learned tonight and improve on his game.
Ochefu had just eight points, but was good on the boards, grabbing ten rebounds on the night. He had a tough matchup himself against Ryan Spangler, and did okay in the matchup.
All in all, it wasn't a good night for Villanova. They seemed out matched and couldn't compete with Oklahoma's experienced lineup. Hopefully they can take what they learned tonight and get ready for their next game.
By: Dan Goggin
Follow us on twitter @BroadStBeat
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