It was not the biggest early-season challenge for Villanova, but it was the game that the team needed following a season-opening loss to Notre Dame.
Villanova had five players finish in double figures and shot 51% from the field, knocking down 10 three’s, during a 95-66 win over Holy Cross in the first game of the season at the Finneran Pavilion.
The Wildcats came into the game needing to show some improvements from the first game of the year.
It began immediately as Villanova opened up its first double-digit
lead eight minutes into the game.
From there, the offense was able to keep extending into the second half when the lead eventually ballooned above 30.
The starting frontcourt of Devin Royal and Luigi Suigo stepped up in the absence of Kwame Evans Jr., who missed the game with a leg injury he has been dealing with since the preseason.
Suigo stayed out of foul trouble and showed off his full skillset down low, logging a double-double with 16 points and 15 rebounds on 8-for-9 from the field. Royal led the Wildcats with 22 points on 9-for-16 shooting.
Villanova got the chance to show off its depth as well. Adam Oumiddoch scored 17 points in 22 minutes off the bench. Aside from Tyler Perkins, who shot just 2-for-12, the Wildcats impressed on the offensive end.
Perhaps the most impressive was Jake Fiegen, who proved that he can provide a spark from three-point range, finishing with 15 points on 5-for-6 from deep.
Villanova will be back in action on Tuesday against La Salle.
