Villanova's Devin Askew stole the show at Finneran Pavilion, scoring 20 points to lead the Wildcats to a 87-73 win over Providence. The victory marked a strong performance by Villanova, who improved to 16-5 on the season. Askew's impressive outing was complemented by Tyler Perkins, who chipped in 19 points and 6 rebounds, and Acaden Lewis, who added 12 points and 8 assists.
The game got off to a blistering start for Villanova, who took a 45-28 lead into halftime. The Wildcats' offense was clicking on all cylinders, with Askew and Perkins leading the charge. Providence, on the other hand, struggled to find its rhythm, with Stefan Vaaks being a notable exception. Vaaks scored 13 of his game-high 25 points in the first half, but it wasn't enough to keep pace with Villanova's high-powered offense.
In the second half, Providence made a push to get back into the game, outscoring Villanova 45-42. However, the deficit proved too great to overcome, and the Wildcats cruised to a 14-point victory. Vaaks continued to impress, scoring 12 more points in the second half, while Jaylin Sellers and Ryan Mela added 16 and 14 points, respectively, for the Friars.
CHD Scout Report Card
CORRECTPredicted
Final
CHD Scout's pre-game prediction had Villanova winning by 9.8 points, and the Wildcats ultimately exceeded that margin. The predicted score of 86-76 was close, but Villanova's defense held Providence to just 73 points, securing a more convincing win than expected.
The win is a significant one for Villanova's resume, as it counts as a Quadrant 3 victory. With a current NET ranking of 35, the Wildcats are solidifying their position as a tournament contender. On the other hand, the loss is a Quadrant 1 defeat for Providence, who falls to 9-13 on the season. The Friars' NET ranking of 89 makes their tournament hopes increasingly slim.
As the season enters its final stretch, Villanova's performance against Providence is a reflection of their strength and depth. With Askew, Perkins, and Lewis leading the charge, the Wildcats are poised to make a deep run in the tournament. For Providence, the loss is a setback, but Vaaks' impressive performance is a bright spot in an otherwise tough season. The win for Villanova strengthens their tournament resume, and they want to build on this momentum as they push towards the postseason.