La Salle vs. Villanova recap: Wildcats win Big 5 matchup against Explorers

Well, that was certainly a way to bounce back.

After suffering a loss to the Oklahoma Sooners in Hawaii on Monday, the Villanova Wildcats returned to The Pavilion on Sunday for a Big 5 matchup with the La Salle Explorers.

The Wildcats beat down the Explorers, defeating them 76-47.

Here are three things we learned.

1. Villanova knows how to overcome a loss

This has multiple meanings, actually. Obviously they lost to Oklahoma the last time they took the court, but the Wildcats also suffered another loss early Sunday afternoon.

Kris Jenkins not starting today for a "minor disciplinary issue", Booth gets the nod. Also Divincenzo is out (foot) #NovaNation #NovaMBB

— The Bench Mob (@VUBenchMob) December 13, 2015

Kris Jenkins ended up playing sparingly and Donte DiVincenzo only plays a few minutes a game, but any time you don't have all hands on deck, other players have to step up in some way.

Villanova showed that they can overcome adversity.

2. Villanova's guard play remains impressive

We didn't learn this today, by any means, but it was certainly a continuation of what we already knew.

Ryan Arcadiacono had 14 points on 5-5 shooting and seven assists. Jalen Brunson had 13 points and four assists. Phil Booth had 10 points, five assists, and two steals. Finally, Villanova's player of the game (and best player of the season so far), Josh Hart had 18 points and six rebounds.

The 'Nova guards did a phenomenal job sharing the ball, as well. 20 of the Wildcats' 24 assists came from guards.

3. Looking ahead

The Wildcats (8-1), like the bulk of the Big East, are now off until Saturday.

Saturday brings a matinee showdown with the Virginia Cavilers.

There will be a lot more about this game on Big East Coast Bias all week, but the most important thing? In addition to two teams in the AP Top 25, this will be a battle of two teams with Top 20 offenses and Top 5 defenses, per KenPom.