Villanova in the Pros: Knicks Survive Thriller With 25 Lead Changes

The Villanova Knicks took a 2-0 series lead over the Philadelphia 76ers on Wednesday, May 6, winning 108-102 behind a decisive 9-0 run with 6:52 to play; Jalen Brunson led a blowout with 27 first half points in game one, but the Knicks needed late heroics to survive a game two with 25 lead changes.

After Kelly Oubre Jr. nailed a three-pointer to put the 76ers in front, Wildcats alumnus Josh Hart tied the game with a triple of his own. Jalen Brunson sank two jumpers and Mikal Bridges, the third of the Villanova Knicks trio, joined the action with a step back shot of his own, pushing the lead to 105-99.

Hart stole the ball away from 76ers’ star Tyrese Maxey, maintaining the Knicks’ momentum with less than three minutes to play. Brunson sank two threes down the stretch to coast out the win, finishing with 26 points on 9-of-21 shooting; he added six assists while committing three turnovers.

Hart scored just five points but made his presence known across the box score, adding seven rebounds, six assists and three steals. Bridges netted 18 points, making nine of 11 shots from two-point range, and amassed five rebounds, two assists, a block and a steal.