It took the equivalent of 12-13 rounds in a prize match, but eventually the ‘Cats pulled away from Duquesne to move to 3-1 on the season. The Dukes kept it close on the backs of the three-point line, finishing
the game 12/23 from range (52%). A 3-pointer by Tarence Guinyard cut the Villanova lead to 69-61 with 9:12 remaining in the game. From that point, the Wildcats proceeded to go on a 13-0 run, capped by an Acaden Lewis jump shot with 5:57 left on the clock. Villanova took their foot off of the pedal from there and cruised to a victory.
For the first time this season, the ‘Cats had a new-leading scorer on the night. The aforementioned Lewis finished with 19 points, 4 rebounds and 6 assists on 5/12 shooting. He also attempted 13 free throws on the evening (making 9). Through four games, the freshman is averaging 12.3 points, 2.8 rebounds and 5.3 assists on 48.6% shooting.
Bryce Lindsay, who had been pacing as the scoring leader to this point, scored 18 points in this one on 6/12 shooting (3/8 from range). The sophomore guard is currently sitting at 23 points per game on 50.9% shooting.
Duke Brennan, the nation’s leading rebounder, took it to his fellow Dukes with 8 points and 13 rebounds (8 offensive). The senior continues to dominate the interior for Villanova, averaging 10.8 points and 14.8 rebounds per game through four games.
The Wildcats outrebounded their opponents for the fourth-consecutive time in this one, holding a 41-29 advantage on the glass. This was particularly encouraging, as Duquesne starts two 6’10” players up front. One of those players, John Hugley IV, was held to only 8 points on 2/6 shooting. Coming into the night, Hugley IV was the Dukes’ leading scorer. He battled foul trouble throughout the night. Guinyard led Duquesne with 30 points on 10/15 shooting (5/6 from three-point land).
Junior forward Zion Stanford made his debut, going scoreless in 3 minutes of play. Stanford is coming off of an ankle injury he suffered in the offseason. Kevin Willard had initially said that he didn’t expect him back until December, so this was an encouraging development. Look for his minutes to increase on Wednesday against La Salle. Senior Tafara Gapare missed his second game in a row with a foot injury.
Post Game Presser:
