PASCHALL GOES SUPER-NOVA, WILDCATS THE REGULAR SEASON CONFERENCE CHAMPIONS

In a relatively tough test against the embattled Creighton Bluejays, Villanova shut down the Jays in the final 5 minutes of the second half to win the regular season BIG EAST title and honor their seniors at the Pavillion with a momentous win.

Though Villanova managed to open up a sizable lead in the first half off some terrific play by Eric Paschall and Jalen Brunson, the Jays fought back with excellent play from Marcus Foster and Khyri Thomas, evening the score out at halftime and putting a bit of pressure on the second ranked Wildcats.

Yet for as much as Foster could do, Brunson and the Wildcats did more in the second half. A lot more. Brunson, figuring out that driving baseline to the hoop was a sure thing in terms of getting to the free throw line, picked apart the Bluejays while Kris Jenkins proceeded to get hot.

Jenkins, a senior, played his way into the hearts and minds of all who watched the game. That gossamer smile and swell haircut managed to demoralize the Bluejays time and time again, yet it was his ability to put the orange orb into the cherry red rim that got everyone’s attention. No doubt that his senior day speech forced even the rockiest of hearts to melt as he addressed the sold out crowd at the Pavillion.

The most astounding moments came with Villanova’s ability to completely shut down future NBA player Justin Patton, poking their hands into his bread basket all game long and forcing him to cough up the leather roundy time and time again. Patton was getting pretty sad as he was unable to comfortably play the game with his very tall frame.

Villanova managed to take an 11 point lead with 6:17 left in the second half and never really looked back. With a lead that hefty they were able to slow the pace down to their liking and methodically keep pace with the Jays, while their defense never allowed Creighton to make a run to make up the difference.