Delaware vs. Villanova final score: Wildcats cruise past Blue Hens, 78-48

The Villanova Wildcats (9-2) overpowered a shorthanded foe defeating the Delaware Blue Hens (5-5) by a score 78-48.

Villanova dropped 10 3-pointers in the first half, coming from Arcidiacono, Brunson and Hart, who led the way with 14 points at the half. The Wildcats cruised for the second half and the walk-ons came in around the 2:20 mark much to the delight of the remaining students in attendance.

Josh Hart's double-double led the 'Cats with 18 points and 14 rebounds, while Jalen Brunson was excellent in a supporting role chipping in with 13 points, five boards and two assists. The Wildcats managed to turn around their fortunes and get back to winning after a disappointing showing in Charlottesville on Saturday against the vaunted Virginia Cavaliers.

The Blue Hens came into the game with seven scholarship players (one of which a former manager). The visiting Delaware team struggled to keep up with the Wildcats on both ends of the floor. Korey Holden led the Hens with 23 points.

Poor perimeter pressure led to the Wildcats falling behind quickly on a series of threes by the Hens. The Blue Hens went 4-for-4 from deep and took a 12-4 lead at the first TV timeout. A trio of threes by freshman phenom Jalen Brunson led the Wildcats back to a lead that they would not relinquish.

The Wildcats' Tuesday matchup against the University of Pennsylvania is one final tuneup prior to their New Year's Eve clash with the No. 6 Xavier Musketeers to open the Big East season. The Musketeers maintained their unblemished record in a comeback 78-70 win at Wake Forest.