:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/49172253/GettyImages-517692140.0.jpg)
Villanova leads Kansas 32-25 at the end of the first half here in the Elite Eight matchup in Louisville, Kentucky.
The Wildcats haven't played their best ball on Saturday night, and yet, they have built up a solid lead over the No. 1 overall seed in this year's NCAA Tournament. While 'Nova has struggled from the perimeter, shooting just 2-for-9 on the interior they have thrived as they posted a mark for 11-for-19 on 2-point field goals. Kris Jenkins leads all with nine points at the end of the first half, including a 3-pointer as the half dwindled to its conclusion.
Four other Wildcats have posted at least four points on the night. Josh Hart and Daniel Ochefu each have six, freshman guard Jalen Brunson has five, and Ryan Arcidiacono, who is celebrating a birthday today, has four.
The Kansas Jayhawks meanwhile struggled mightily in the first half and are perhaps lucky to not be down more. They turned the ball over 10 times thanks to Villanova's feisty defense and some uncharacteristic mistakes. They, like 'Nova, have struggled from the perimeter, shooting 3-for-12 from deep in the first half.
Devonte' Graham has been the primary source of offense for the Jayhawks in the first half. Graham has 11 points, more than any player on both sides, and shot 50 percent from the field and from the 3-point line as well. Frank Mason III has seven points but bricked a few 3-pointers, and turned the ball over twice after playing the entirety of the first half.
Star Kansas forward Perry Ellis was held to zero points scored in 16 minutes of action.
Remember to breathe everyone.