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Villanova kept up their winning ways at The Pavilion on Friday night with their decisive 86-51 victory over the ETSU Buccaneers.
A balanced attack sliced and diced the Bucs from the Tri-Cities on Friday night as the 'Cats continued their dominance on their home floor. They still have yet to lose at their campus venue in the "New Big East Era" keeping their streak up to 32 with their victory.
Five 'Nova players got into double figures, as Kris Jenkins led all Villanova scorers with 17 points.
Three things we learned from 'Nova's win:
1. You shouldn't let 'Nova go on a run.
Thought Villanova's 22-0 run against Nebraska was impressive? Well 'Nova outdid themselves and did even better on Friday night against the Bucs. The 'Cats went on a 24-0 run in the first half after battling a bit with the upset-minded club from the Southern Conference. It was a very balanced effort during that run as well as no one in particular helped 'Nova storm ahead. Kris Jenkins, Phil Booth, Daniel Ochefu, Jalen Brunson, Donte DiVincenzo, and Josh Hart all had contributions from the 14:31 mark to the 6:38 mark when a T.J. Cromer free throw finally stopped the bleeding. So, word to the wise: Don't let this team get loose.
2. Breaking news: Daniel Ochefu is good
Alright... so we didn't really learn this but it bears repeating. Ochefu kept up his dominance on Friday night with a 12-point, 16-rebound effort against the ETSU Buccaneers. Ochefu shot 60 percent from the field and was perfect in the first half after going 5-for-5 from the field. He grabbed a game-high seven offensive rebounds and netted three assists and two blocks as well. The attention is rightfully placed on the guards on the 'Cats but Ochefu continues to be a terrific playmaker down low for Villanova and a huge facet in their offense.
3. Phil Booth is quite a difference maker
It's bad enough that teams will have to face Josh Hart, Ryan Arcidiacono and five-star point guard Jalen Brunson this year when they take on the Wildcats. But Jay Wright has another weapon up his sleeve that he'll be letting loose off the bench: Phil Booth. Booth, a sophomore guard, scored 16 points after an 11-point night against the Nebraska Cornhuskers earlier this week. If Booth continues to lead the second unity out and have these types of night, Villanova becomes even more dangerous than they already are.