Villanova in the Pros: Jalen Brunson Dominates 76ers

Villanova alumnus Jalen Brunson helped his New York Knicks take a 1-0 series lead in their Eastern Conference Semifinal series against the Philadelphia 76ers on Monday, May 4, scoring 27 points in the first half alone.

The Knicks held a 74-51 lead at halftime, Brunson’s work largely done as he played just 31 minutes. The All-Star point guard made 12 of 18 shots (3-of-6 from three) and went a perfect 8-for-8 from the charity stripe in true Villanova fashion.

Fellow former Wildcats Josh Hart (eight points, eight rebounds, six assists) and Mikal Bridges (17 points, five assists) also got in on the action, playing 26 and 27 minutes respectively as the Knicks emptied their bench early.

Villanova legend Kyle Lowry, currently in the final season of his 20-year NBA career, didn’t check in for the 76ers. With Donte DiVincenzo out with an Achilles tendon tear — although his Minnesota Timberwolves also took a 1-0 series lead — the Villanova Knicks are the Wildcats’ best chance at an NBA championship this season… even if they’ll have to take down a Philadelphia team to do so.

Elsewhere in the NBA, Philadelphia native and Roman Catholic alumnus Jalen Duren will take on the Cleveland Cavaliers in a second round series starting on May 5. He’s averaging 19.5 points and 10.5 rebounds for the Detroit Pistons this season, his fourth in the NBA.