Villanova Wildcats breeze past Boston University Terriers
The Villanova Wildcats had no problem with the Boston University Terriers, breezing past the visitors on their way to an 82-66 victory on Wednesday 17 November and a third round berth in the NIT season tip-off.
Villanova is once again expected to be a force coming out of the Big East and along with the Pittsburgh Panthers is favoured to win the highly competitive conference.
Early in the season the Wildcats have proved they will be a force in the NCAA this season. The club has won their opening three matches and is cruising in the NIT season tip-off.
The Wildcats are known for their impressive guard play and their propensity to shoot three-pointers. However, the Terriers keyed on their play from beyond the arch, limiting Villanova to only 12 three point attempts with the club only sinking one. Nevertheless,
the Wildcats were able to establish their inside game, something head coach Jay Wright says is unique to his 2010-11 squad.
“We’re more of a traditional team than we’ve ever been,” Wright said to ESPN. “It’s fun. We’ve got an inside game and obviously we’ve got guards. We’ve learned how to read it and take advantage of the inside game.”
The team got a great deal of help from forward Antonio Pena, who led the club in scoring with 17 points and eight rebounds.
“Coach is always telling me to be more assertive,” said Pena. “Playing with [Corey Fisher], [Corey] Stokes and Maalik [Wayns], that can be amazing for any forward. I just have to get my hands ready and be around the basket.”
The victory was never in doubt for the Wildcats, who led the whole way, taking a 16 points lead into half-time, putting the game out of reach for the guests.
Villanova also got help from Fisher, who tallied 16 points, Stokes, who managed 12 points and Wayns, who totalled 12 points and 12 assists.
Meanwhile, the Terriers got a strong showing from forward John Holland, who collected 14 points and five rebounds, Jake O’Brien, who managed 13 points and five rebounds and guard Darryl Partin, who tallied 12 points and three assists.
The Wildcats advance to the third round of the tournament to take on the UCLA Bruins on 24 November, while the Terriers were eliminated and will see the Marist Red Foxes in regular season play on Friday 19 November.
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