Villanova Puts Away Providence Behind Three-Point Onslaught

VILLANOVA, Pa.— Villanova Men’s Basketball poured it on from three in their Friday, Jan. 30 home win over the Providence Friars, making 13 of 29 shots from beyond the arc on the way to a 87-73 win.

The Wildcats (16-5, 7-3 Big East) took 59 shots in all, meaning 49.2 percent of them came from three-point range — and with a lead that grew as high as 21 points, they attempted just one three in the final seven minutes. Providence converted on 28 of 58 shots but did so in streaky fashion, sticking with Villanova for stretches before the Wildcats managed to land a body blow.

After playing to a 15-15 tie at the 12 minute mark, Villanova went on a 13-3 run that included a pair of threes from sixth man Devin Askew. Askew led the Wildcats with 20 points and made five of six shots in nine first half minutes for the Wildcats, helping them open a 19 point lead. True freshman Chris Jeffrey made his return from arthroscopic knee surgery, playing three minutes in his first game since Dec. 13.

Providence came out firing to begin the second half, making three triples as part of an 11-2 run that cut the Wildcats’ advantage to single digits. They then went six minutes without making a shot from the field, giving Villanova time to find its footing.

Although the Friars managed to hang around for much of the first ten minutes, Tyler Perkins (19 points), Bryce Lindsay and Askew sank threes as part of an 11-1 run that forced a timeout from head coach Kim English and put Providence away for good.

Villanova Men’s Basketball’s homestand will continue when they host the Seton Hall Pirates at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 4.