Eugene Rapay (@erapay5)
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Villanova entered Wednesday night with a 6-0 record against Xavier since the Big East conference realignment of 2013. The Musketeers finally got their first win, prevailing over the Wildcats, 90-83.
At first...
It was a closely contested game between both teams. Villanova trailed by three at the half, but a Kris Jenkins and-one quickly tied it up in the opening seconds after the break. Xavier’s Myles Davis drained a three to give the Musketeers the lead, but the Wildcats remained right behind them.
Turning point...
Later in the second half, Edmond Sumner completed an and-one of his own for Xavier to spark a 12-2 run. Sumner topped off the run he started with a mid-range jumper to give Xavier a 63-52 lead over Villanova with 12:42 remaining. It was the separation that the Musketeers needed, and they maintained the cushion through the final buzzer.
Shining stars...
Jenkins led the Wildcats with 22 points off of 7-of-10 shooting before fouling out midway through the second half...Xavier’s Sumner and J.P. Macura had 19 points each.
Noteworthy numbers...
Xavier outrebounded Villanova 42-33...The Musketeers assisted on 24 of their 30 made baskets...Xavier converted 23-of-33 (69.7 percent) of its free throws, while Villanova was 11-of-13 (84.6 percent).
Up next...
Villanova (24-4, 13-2) at Marquette, 2/27, 2 p.m.
Xavier (25-3, 13-3) at Seton Hall, 2/28, 12:30 p.m.
Tag(s): Home Events Division I Villanova Eugene Rapay