Villanova tops DePaul again

JEFF HAYNES — AP Photo

Villanova had an impressive 68-55 win over DePaul in the Allstate Arena in Illinois. No. 7 Wildcats played DePaul three weeks earlier at home and cruised to a nearly 20 point victory after a 45 point first half. Ryan Arcidiacono finished with 18 points, which were all scored in the second half. Senior JayVaughn Pinkston added 14 points, going 10 for 10 from the free throw line. Billy Garrett Jr. was the only Blue Demon to tally double digits with 14.

The Blue Demons came out hot converting 10 of their first 15 field goal attempts. They had a 26-17 lead with 7:16 left in the first half. The Wildcats scored to keep it close, but trailed 37-31 into halftime. The Wildcats slowed down DePaul’s transition and tightened up their offense. The Blue Demons had the better of play in the first half, but their fatigue from their away game Thursday vs. Providence may have contributed to their inability to maintain the lead whereas Villanova had off. With less than five minutes in the second half, VU went on a run to outscore their opponent 27-14 the rest of the game. DePaul only converted six of their second half field goals. Villanova out-rebounded DePaul 35-18. Junior Daniel Ochefu grabbed 12 rebounds.

Villanova has two big home games this week at the Wells Fargo Center with Marquette Wednesday night and GeorgetownSaturday afternoon.The games will be available on Fox and Fox Sports 1, respectively.