Villanova Men's Basketball

Villanova Reaction: Wildcats Leaning On Their Depth

Published

3 months ago

January 31, 2026

Image courtesy of Villanova MBB's Instagram account

Villanova Men’s Basketball made 13 of 29 three-point shots in their Friday, Jan. 30 win over the Providence Friars, holding one of the best — and quickest — offenses in college basketball to 73 points, their lowest scoring output in more than five weeks.

The Wildcats (16-5, 7-3 Big East) leaned on sixth man Devin Askew (20 points) and Tyler Perkins (19 points), as they have for much of the past three weeks, but Bryce Lindsay (11 points on 3-of-7 shooting) and Acaden Lewis (6-of-10 shooting, eight assists) both took steps in the right direction.

Villanova also got true freshman Chris Jeffrey back from injury, working him back to full speed with three first half minutes, and reserve center Braden Pierce (10 minutes) earned his most playing time since conference play began. Depth has turned into an issue for the Wildcats in recent weeks, so head coach Kevin Willard feeling increased confidence in his bench could become an important factor moving forward.

Here’s the reaction from fans and media during another Villanova win.

Some former Villanova royalty in the house.

An NBA champion, John Celestand, and NCAA champion, Dwayne McClain. pic.twitter.com/M4TBMg3eQJ

— Dylan Johnson (@bydylanjohnson) January 31, 2026

Villanova is way better than the rest of the country realizes. They're gonna shock someone in March.

— Kentavious Tripleflips (@GmingClipz) January 31, 2026

‘Cats are absolutely DEMOLISHING Providence.

They’re getting every shot they want, and what feels like a stop on every possession.

Exactly the game you need to bounce back from UConn.

Villanova leads, 45-28 after the first half

— Nova Starting 5 (@NovaStarting5) January 31, 2026

My opinion on Askew has completely shifted in the last few games. With Lewis in his slump, Askew’s taken over as the creator on this team. He’s a spark plug as the 6th man, and his offense has kept Villanova in each of their last 4 games.

— Emma Houghton (@emma_houghton9) January 31, 2026

HALFTIME

Villanova 45, Providence 28

Devin Askew is on fire! He’s got 17 points (4/5 3 PT) in 9 minutes off the bench. Cats are shooting 50% from the field and 8/17 from 3, and have 15 points off 10 Providence turnovers. All Wildcats early.

— Big 5 Pod (@Big5Pod) January 31, 2026

Villanova goes on a 6-of-7 heater with four made threes. The latest, courtesy of Devin Askew, caps an 11-1 run and forces a Kim English timeout. 70-52, 7:13 remaining.

— Griffin Floyd (@GriffinFloyd62) January 31, 2026

I have given credit to Villanova’s Kevin Willard for the excellent coaching job he has done this season. But his sudden mid press conference departure and seeming criticism of the questions was both unprofessional and disrespectful to those taking the time to cover his program… https://t.co/LFqLrvU1Vb

— Aaron Bracy (@Aaron_Bracy) January 31, 2026

FINAL: Villanova 87, Providence 73

The shorthanded Friars made it a game early in the second half after trailing by 17 at the half, but defensive lapses reared their ugly head once again.

Five Cats in double figures, led by Devin Askew with 20 (6-9 FG, 5-8 3PT). Villanova was…

— Rhody Vault (@RhodyVault) January 31, 2026

Villanova freshman Acaden Lewis tonight in the win over Providence:

– 12 pts (6/10 FG)
– 8 assists
– 1 turnover
– 3 steals

Wildcats on path to a tourney bid mainly due to Lewis’ veteran abilities just as a freshman 😾 pic.twitter.com/f5cob7MfjC

— Next Up College Basketball (@nextupcbb) January 31, 2026

Nova made 8 threes and played good D, forcing 10 PC turnovers. Villanova is the absolute worst matchup for this team

— Steve Hartnett (@stevehartnett92) January 31, 2026

I appreciate how Villanova’s court has no ads on it. Only data school name & Big East. So rare. So clean.

— G$ (UConn’s Version) (@gdollar_sign) January 31, 2026