Lighting up Wells Fargo Center, Villanova soundly defeated a spirited Providence team 78-68.
‘Nova began with an early lead thanks in large part to the high-level blocking ability of Darryl Reynolds. To put Reynolds’ defensive impact in perspective, the Wildcat senior actually led both Villanova and the Friars in rebounds, grabbing 10 throughout the game.
Providence, perhaps swayed by the remembrance of their victory against Villanova a year prior, began playing with lethal efficiency to close out the half. In fact, at halftime, the Friars led in field goals 46 percent compared to the Wildcats’ 43 percent.