After getting annihilated by Creighton, UConn wasn’t going to allow Villanova to spoil College GameDay in their next game.
The Villanova Wildcats came into this matchup ready to fight, but the reigning national champion UConn Huskies proved to be too much, picking up the win by a final score of 78-54.
Villanova cut UConn’s lead to five points, 45-40, with 11 minutes left in the game, but the Huskies quickly went on a 14-1 run to bury the ‘Cats.
The Wildcats missed numerous open shots, but what really killed them was the rebounding discrepancy, where UConn owned the glass 46-32.
The Huskies had the size advantage but is it clear they have the raw skill advantage?
There’s no denying the ‘Cats gave it their all, they just did not convert at the rate UConn, a national championship team, converted. Villanova missed open threes, shooting 1-of-10 in the first half, and missed numerous layups, which have plagued them all season.
Hurley’s gameplan, as mentioned by Gus Johnson, was to focus on Brendan Hausen, who has led the ‘Cats to four wins in their last five games. Villanova’s gameplan late — who knows? Play hard I guess? Convince yourself that you have a chance?
Leading the way for the Huskies was Cam Spencer who hit shot after shot and finished with a game-high 25 points shooting 5-of-8 from three.
Projected lottery picks Stephon Castle and Donovan Clingan chipped in 14 and 13 points respectively. If you were watching the final four minutes of the game you would know, because Gus Johnson could not stop talking about it, Tristen Newton finished with a triple-double. Newton finished with 10 points, 10 assists and a career high 16 rebounds.
For Villanova, Eric Dixon did not convert at a high rate, but he is the only player who showed up ready to play and led the way, as the case most nights. Dixon finished with 20 points and seven rebounds. T.J. Bamba was able to contribute 13 points.
The ‘Cats were not expected to win this game, but it would’ve done their tournament hopes wonders to channel another one-basket close nailbiter like their earlier matchup. Villanova has four more games before the Big East Tournament and every game is critical for the Wildcats’ postseason hopes. Villanova has a chance to bounce back Tuesday night against Georgetown.