Villanova explodes in second half to run away from DePaul

Second halves have not been kind to Villanova in recent weeks.

The Wildcats needed to change that narrative after a slow start that included 15 misses on the first 16 shots.

Villanova adjusted accordingly on the offensive end and scored 50 points during a 76-57 win over DePaul in Chicago.

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The Wildcats (23-7, 14-5) fell behind early in a first half where both teams were desperate for offense. Tyler Perkins was able to get draw two fouls behind the three-point line to get easy points at the line while reaching double figures. He led the Wildcats with 20 points and four steals.

Villanova opened up a seven-point lead on a Malachi Palmer three just over two minutes in the second half. DePaul (16-14, 8-11) quickly got back within four before Devin Askew caught fire.

Askew knocked down a three to put Villanova back up seven and one minute later, hit another to put the team up double-digits for the first time. Holding a 46-39 lead, the Wildcats could go on a 14-2 run to put the game away, building a 19-point lead.

Askew finished with 14 points off the bench while Duke Brennan logged another double-double with 15 points and 12 rebounds. Malachi Palmer got the first start of his career, filling in for the injured Matt Hodge, and added 10 points and five rebounds.

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Villanova rebounded from a slow start to shoot 46% from the field and knock down seven three’s. The Wildcats were also 17-for-23 from the free throw line while forcing 16 turnovers, which led to 22 points.

The Wildcats will be back in action on Saturday afternoon in the regular-season finale against Xavier at the Finneran Pavilion.

With 23 wins and 14 in conference play, Villanova has solidified its resume for the NCAA Tournament. Now, the Wildcats will look to end the season on a high note before the Big East Tournament.

Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/villanova-explodes-second-half-run-040622829.html

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Publish date : 2026-03-05 04:06:00

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