Villanova Defeats Hofstra 95-71

The #1 Villanova Wildcats defeated the Hofstra Pride 95-71 on Friday night at Nassau Coliseum in a Villanova “home game” held just steps from Hofstra’s campus.

In Jay Wright’s first game against his former team, Villanova dominated from tip to finish. While Hofstra hung with the ‘Cats for the first ten minutes of the game, Villanova’s relentless offense and suffocating defense led to the building of a 21-point lead at the break after Phil Booth buried a deep three at the buzzer. The game was never in doubt, with Hofstra struggling to keep the deficit within 20 for most of the second half.

All in all, it was a balanced effort for Villanova with 5 players finishing in double digits. After a rough first half, Jalen Brunson started the second half with 11 straight points in the first four minutes. Brunson finished with 14 points and 7 assists.

Omari Spellman continued his hot streak, finishing with 19 points on 7-9 shooting, including 3-4 from deep. Mikal Bridges poured in with 20 points on 6-15 shooting, and 3 blocks on the defensive end while Phil Booth chipped in 17 points of his own. As a team, Villanova shot 47% from deep.

The shooting struggles continued for Eric Paschall, who finished 1-6 from the field, and 0-3 from deep. Despite that, he was a contributor on the defensive end with 4 rebounds, a steal, and a block.

Villanova will open Big East play in Chicago on Wednesday night against DePaul.