The #4 Villanova Wildcats defeated the #12 Gonzaga Bulldogs 88-72 during the first game of the Jimmy V Classic doubleheader at Madison Square Garden.
The night started slow for Villanova after a few missed bunnies and some struggles at the rim. Gonzaga’s stout interior defense was “as advertised” as the ‘Cats were met with white jersey, after white jersey, ever trip into the paint.
However, anchored by a frenetic defensive effort, the Wildcats were able to turn the corner on a steal and short jumper from Omari Spellman. Villanova soon found its groove from deep, going 6-12 from three in the first half, to build a 43-30 lead going into the break.