Villanova Survives Butler Behind Askew’s Clutch Shooting

VILLANOVA, Pa.— Villanova took a 42-28 lead into the break during their Wednesday, Feb. 25 home game against Butler at the Finneran Pavilion, but the Bulldogs closed the gap to one point, opening the second half on a 26-13 run.

Wildcats (22-6, 13-4 Big East) sixth man Devin Askew (16 points) took over from there, scoring eight straight points to reestablish a double digit lead, helping Villanova survive 82-73. While the Wildcats made 10 of 13 two-point shots in the second half, they made just four of 15 three-point attempts, running cold for stretches and giving the Bulldogs a chance at a comeback. All of those makes came from Askew; the rest of the team went 0-for-10 from beyond the arc.

True freshman point guard Acaden Lewis (20 points) took over in the first half, scoring 14 points on 6-of-9 shooting; all of his misses came from three. His four assists on the night helped him set a Villanova record for assists from a freshman (146), breaking the 145 Kenny Wilson racked up during the 1985-86 season.

After Butler scored the first five points, Villanova surged in front with an 8-0 run, but the Bulldogs managed to go back and forth for much of the half. The Wildcats allowed just one make over the last three minutes, closing the half on a 15-4 run to push their lead to double digits. Junior guard Tyler Perkins (11 points) broke the 1,000 point barrier for his career with a fadeaway jumper during that run; he and the resurgent Bryce Lindsay (19 points) each drained a three during the final minute of the half.

Up next, Villanova will travel to face No. 15 St. John’s at 8 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 28. The Red Storm will host that game at Madison Square Garden.