Robinson-Earl excels as Villanova blows past Marquette

Villanova Wildcats sophomore center Jeremiah Robinson-Earl put together one of the best games of his college career as the Wildcats looked like national title contenders in Wednesday night’s 94-66 victory over the Marquette Golden Eagles.

Robinson-Earl had a game-high 27 points (one off his career-high) on a dominant 10-11 shooting, as Marquette had no answer for the big man. At one point in the second half, Robinson-Earl scored 11 straight points for Villanova, helping the Wildcats grow their big lead to an insurmountable total.

To Marquette’s credit, they went into the half down by just eight points. It looked like the Golden Eagles might be able to give Villanova a game, but halftime saw Villanova make adjustments and Marquette not, part of an alarming trend of the Golden Eagles getting outplayed over the second halves of games this season.

Villanova outscored Marquette 56-32 over the final 20 minutes, as the Wildcats seemed destined to remind everyone that the Big East still going through them.

Collin Gillespie finished with 16 points and 11 assists for the Wildcats, marking his second double-double in the last four games.

DJ Carton led Marquette with 27 points.

Villanova (13-2, 8-1) return to action Saturday in Omaha against Creighton. Marquette (9-11, 5-9) will head to Seton Hall Sunday.