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Well, the Legends Classic certainly isn't the Battle 4 Atlantis in terms of opponent quality. Villanova destroyed MD-Eastern Shore 81-44 last night in a game that was over well before halftime. These games are always fun, just because we get to see Henry Lowe run around like a terrier while Swaggy P drops dimes (which he did, for Kevin Rafferty's first career points).
Kris Jenkins led the way with 15 points, while Daniel Ochefu just missed a double-double with 10 and 9. It was another tough night for Darrun Hilliard though, who went just 3-8 from the field to finish with 10 points.
3 things
1. A balanced scoring attack is a recipe for success
There are going to be nights when Hilliard, JayVaughn Pinkston, or Dylan Ennis are going to need to carry this team, but when everyone is chipping in the 'Cats are going to be hard to stop. Nine players scored at least 5 points, with four hitting double figures.
It was against a team that had no business being on the court with Villanova, but it's good to see the team learn from its mistakes against Lehigh and fill up the bucket efficiently. We can all be happy with a 57% performance from the floor that was dragged down slightly by 33% shooting from deep.
2. Mikal Bridges is officially on redshirt watch
Bridges hasn't logged any minutes in either of the first two games. It was understandable in a close game vs. Lehigh, but Villanova just stomped UMES by 37 points and led 45-14 at the half. If there was ever a game for him to see some time, this was it.
No official word yet, and maybe it's an undisclosed injury, but this feels like a pretty clear sign that he'll be using this year to bulk up in the weight room, barring an injury to someone else.
3. Phil Booth has a ways to go
Towards the end of the game, Booth turned the ball over on three straight possessions. It should be noted that he was playing with the #BenchMob, but they were lazy turnovers caused by the freshman trying to do too much, or worse yet, not seeing a trap coming. That needs to be cleaned up, and quickly.
VCU is waiting in Brooklyn next Monday, and while Jay Wright will probably shorten his rotation given the opponent, he could really use a confident Booth to provide some fresh legs. Heck, he might be forced in to using him if there is foul trouble.