Penn vs Villanova recap: Wildcats defeat Quakers in Big 5 action

Villanova doesn't lose games at The Pavillon.

Villanova doesn't lose Big 5 games to Penn.

Penn faced Villanova on Monday night at The Pavillon in Big 5 action. Villanova, unsurprisingly, took care of business, defeating the Quakers 77-57.

For Jay Wright's Wildcats, the victory marked the third straight season in which Villanova has 10 or more wins entering conference play.

Here are three things we learned from this contest.

Daniel Ochefu's strong showing

The senior center had one of his best games of the season, as he finished with 12 points, 10 rebounds, and only one foul committed (UPDATE).

That last part is, perhaps, the most important number. Ochefu is one of the best big men in the conference, but he's had trouble staying on the court so far this season. His fouls committed over 40 minutes (FC/40) was 5.1 going into this game, which is the 9th highest in the Big East.

A big part of Villanova's success is establishing a presence down low, and if Ochefu's on the court, that's a great way to do such.

Balanced scoring attack

Villanova, as they tend to do, had four players with double-digit scoring outputs.

Jalen Brunson led the way with a career-high 22, Ryan Arcidiacono added 13, Ochefu had 12, and Josh Hart also had 12.

Villanova has had a balanced scoring attack all season long so far, but it was especially important to see it continue in this game.

The Wildcats face Xavier next, and the Musketeers have five players averaging double figures so far. The best way to beat a team like that is to match up well with them, which Villanova does.

Big 5 domination

Villanova has now won 13 straight Big 5 games, and have beaten Penn 13 years in a row.

The Wildcats still has one more Big 5 game remaining this season. They'll face Temple at the Liacouras Center on February 17.

Temple has already played a Big East school this season, when they fell to Butler in Puerto Rico in November.