With the start of Big 5 play under way, it was Villanova who emerged victorious, by a final score of 84-70. Darrun Hilliard and Dylan Ennis led the team in scoring with 15 points each. Jerrell Wright led the Explorers in scoring with 19 points, 17 of which came in the second half after sitting early with foul trouble.
Wright picked up two fouls within the first three minutes of the game, forcing Giannini to sit the senior forward for the remainder of the half. Khalid Lewis picked up some of the slack, however, scoring 17 on the night, including 9 in the first half with Wright out.
The Explorers dug themselves into quite a big hole early, going down 47-29 at the half. They picked up their effort in the second half, but it was too little too late, as the Wildcats pulled away for the victory.
For the Wildcats, Ennis had a great game, picking up 9 rebounds to go with his 15 points. Five different Wildcats scored in double figures (Ennis, Hilliard, Ochefu, Hart, Pinkston). Just as it has been all season long, the Wildcats relied on an all around team effort instead of looking to one or two scorers to lead the way on offense.
Their defensive effort was intense from the start, going with their usual full court trap. It forced the Explorers to commit 13 turnovers on the game. Taking care of the ball and putting pressure on other teams has been Nova's bread and butter.
Villanova takes on Saint Joseph's at home on Saturday next, while the Explorers will travel to Temple Saturday afternoon. Both teams look to improve their standings in the Big 5 in their next matchups.
By: Dan Goggin
Follow us on twitter @BroadStBeat
The Explorers dug themselves into quite a big hole early, going down 47-29 at the half. They picked up their effort in the second half, but it was too little too late, as the Wildcats pulled away for the victory.
For the Wildcats, Ennis had a great game, picking up 9 rebounds to go with his 15 points. Five different Wildcats scored in double figures (Ennis, Hilliard, Ochefu, Hart, Pinkston). Just as it has been all season long, the Wildcats relied on an all around team effort instead of looking to one or two scorers to lead the way on offense.
Their defensive effort was intense from the start, going with their usual full court trap. It forced the Explorers to commit 13 turnovers on the game. Taking care of the ball and putting pressure on other teams has been Nova's bread and butter.
Villanova takes on Saint Joseph's at home on Saturday next, while the Explorers will travel to Temple Saturday afternoon. Both teams look to improve their standings in the Big 5 in their next matchups.
By: Dan Goggin
Follow us on twitter @BroadStBeat
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