Providence vs. Villanova 2016 halftime notes

The No. 4 Villanova Wildcats are out in front at the Wells Fargo Center, putting on a performance that is unusual to the spectators that usually frequent the venue in Philadelphia. We're not saying 'Nova could beat the 76ers, but the Wildcats certainly look good through the game's first 20 minutes.

They had held Providence down for much of the first half but the Friars pushed late. The score at the half is 37-35 in favor of the home team.

Seven players for the Wildcats have 4+ points at the end of the first half. Freshman point guard Jalen Brunson scored eight points including a 3-pointer at the buzzer to put 'Nova out in front at the break. Josh Hart has seven and has looked the part so far, while Mikal Bridges and Kris Jenkins each have five. Finally, Phil Booth, Ryan Arcidiacono and Daniel Ochefu, who did not start due to a minor rules violation, have four points each.

Ben Bentil leads all scorers with 12 points as the sophomore's breakout continues. Junior Lomomba has eight, tying him with Brunson while Kris Dunn has six points, three rebounds and seven assists, doing it all as usual.

Both teams are shooting over 40 percent but Villanova's 3-point struggles are continuing on Sunday afternoon. The 'Cats are 4-for-15 from the 3-point line while Providence has fared better, shooting 38 percent on 13 attempts. Villanova has outrebounded Providence 15-10 and has six steals to Providence's two, and the Friars have seven turnovers to the Wildcats' five.