Villanova WBB Outlasts DePaul Despite Second Half Struggles

VILLANOVA, Pa.— Villanova Women’s Basketball survived a second half push from DePaul on Saturday, Jan. 31, running into trouble against the Blue Demons’ full-court press despite a 27 point outburst from sophomore guard Jasmine Bascoe.

The Wildcats (17-5, 10-3 Big East) committed 17 turnovers, limiting their ability to pull away despite a double digit first half lead. Ryanne Allen added seven points off the bench in the first quarter, checking in with the game tied 6-6 and helping Villanova push their lead as high as eight points. Allen went on to score 17 points as the team’s second-leading scorer.

Even though they had to dedicate 32 of 50 minutes to their bench in the second quarter as a result of brewing foul trouble, the Wildcats forced eight turnovers in the frame, holding DePaul to 2-of-10 shooting and keeping them off the board for more than six minutes as part of an 11-2 run that put them in command.

After Villanova held the Blue Demons to 25 percent shooting (7-of-28) in the first half, DePaul’s offense started to pick up in the third quarter, outscoring the Wildcats 18-16 and staying within striking distance. DePaul scored the first five points of the fourth quarter, Villanova’s lead dwindling to 49-43. A near three minute scoring drought helped the Wildcats catch their breath, but the Blue Demons made five of six shots down the stretch, keeping Villanova on their toes into the final minutes.

Up next, Villanova will travel to face Butler at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 4.