Akron vs. Villanova, 2015 Preseason NIT Tip-Off: Halftime Notes

~ Villanova's pursuit for the Scottie Pippen on Sunday afternoon is being impeded by the #MACtion-bred Akron Zips. The Zips have given Villanova everything they can handle and more. 'Nova holds a seven point lead after gaining control of the game late in the first half.

~ It would be quite the stunner if Akron were to win at The Pavilion, given that the Wildcats haven't lost a game at the building since 2013. Furthermore, the last time Villanova dropped a nonconference game at home was December 5, 2012 against Temple.

~ Leading the way at the half for 'Nova is defending BIG EAST Sixth Man of the Year Josh Hart. Hart scored 15 points in the first half, a game-high for both teams, and shot 6-for-11 from the field. The Wildcats guard also grabbed five rebounds and picked up a steal, committing no turnovers.

~ What's been most impressive about Akron's performance is how well the Zips have shot from the perimeter. Through the first half of play, they have boasted a 41.2 percent mark from the 3-point line, outpacing Villanova's 33.3 percent on 12 field goal attempts from deep. Josh Williams registered a 100 percent mark from the 3-point line, although it was only on one attempt. Antino Jackson, meanwhile, boasts a 60.0 percent mark on five attempts from long range.

~ So much for that rebounding advantage. Both Villanova and Akron are even at 19 at the break.

~ Akron has committed eight turnovers, while Villanova has only one.