Villanova WBB Drops Providence Behind Bascoe, Bender

Villanova Women’s Basketball returned to their winning ways on Tuesday, Jan. 27, defeating the Providence Friars 83-68 at the Finneran Pavilion.

Jasmine Bascoe (22 points, six assists) led the Wildcats (16-5, 9-3 Big East) in scoring, while freshman forward Brooke Bender sank six of eight three-pointers off the bench for a career-high 18 points. Villanova also got Denae Carter, who missed their last game after suffering an upper body injury against Butler, back into the lineup.

The Wildcats made six of 11 three-pointers in the first period, helping them weather an early Providence push. They went on to attempt more than half their shots from beyond the arc, making 15 of 34 (44.1 percent). While the Friars made 50 percent of their shots on the night, Villanova’s success from deep proved enough for them to win comfortably.

Threes from Bender and Kennedy Henry (16 points, 4-of-8 on threes) made consecutive triples early in the second period, pushing the lead to 26-19, but Villanova made just two shots in the next five minutes, allowing the Friars to pull in front.

Dani Ceseretti and Bascoe sank layups — the latter at the buzzer — to reestablish their lead heading into the second half. The Friars began the second half with a triple, then Villanova reeled off a 12-0 run that put them in control the rest of the way.

The Wildcats’ homestand will continue on Saturday, Jan. 31 at 2 p.m. when they host DePaul (5-17, 2-9 Big East).