In a tough Top-15 match-up, the Wildcats escaped an electric Mackey Center in West Lafayette, Indiana with a 79-76 victory over Purdue. It wasn't pretty but it counts.
Heading into the game, the question was whether Villanova could be effective against Purdue’s redwoods. Villanova was relentless in the first half, eschewing their traditional bombs-away approach for one set on getting Purdue into foul trouble early. Isaac Haas, 7’2, picked up three quick fouls and rode the pine for most of the first half.
Josh Hart was clinical, slicing into the paint, finishing off of both feet, with both hands, and seemingly finding the bucket on every possession.