Villanova Women’s Basketball Swarms Temple in Big 5 Opener

VILLANOVA, Pa. — Villanova Women’s Basketball began Big 5 pod play with a dominant defensive performance against the Temple Owls, winning 88-58 at the Finneran Pavilion on Saturday, Nov. 22.

Villanova (4-2) made just 6-of-15 shots in the first 10 minutes, a deceptive line as they finished the quarter on a 3-of-5 heater. Even so, they managed to play the Owls (3-3) to a 13-13 tie, forcing seven turnovers in that span. 11 of their points came off turnovers, including a trio of Jasmine Bascoe layups in transition. That success on the fast break became a big reason why the Wildcats managed to rack up 27 assists on the night.

Senior guard Ryanne Allen led the field with a career high 19 points, making five threes off the bench and helping the Wildcats take a commanding lead early. Denae Carter (17), Brynn McCurry (13), Jasmine Bascoe (11) and Kennedy Henry (11) also finished in double figures. Allen (six assists) and Dani Ceseretti (seven assists) also played key roles as distributors.

Villanova Takes Control

The Wildcats carried their hot shooting into the second quarter, going on an 8-0 run bookended with threes from Allen and Kennedy Henry, which forced a timeout from Temple head coach Diane Richardson. Villanova took a 20 point lead into the half, making 7-of-12 three-point shots in the frame, including a span of three in 90 seconds from Brooke Bender, Bascoe and Ryanne Allen. Allen sank her third of the quarter at the buzzer, helping the Wildcats end the half on a 21-5 run.

While the Wildcats stayed aggressive on offense, they cooled off in the third period: six of their nine misses came from three. Villanova began the half playing a full court press but soon backed off, and the Owls kept the scoring margin to a respectable 19-18 in the Wildcats’ favor as a result. Wildcats’ head coach Denise Dillon emptied her bench late, giving her reserves key reps as they pushed their lead north of 30.

Up next, Villanova Women’s Basketball will conclude Big 5 pod play at La Salle, with that game set to tip off at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 25. This game concludes pod play for Temple, who already beat the Explorers. The Owls will next take the court against Michigan State in the Bahamas at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 28.