Villanova has been tested over the last week against the bottom half of the Big East.
The Wildcats traveled to Omaha on Saturday afternoon looking to get revenge from an early-season loss to the Blue Jays. While it was not a laugher, Villanova kept Creighton at arms’ length over the course of 40 minutes to win for the fifth consecutive game.
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The Blue Jays were preparing to make one final run with 1:37 left before Malachi Palmer delivered the dagger. A Hudson Green missed free throw led to a runout for the Wildcats and Palmer pulled up from three-point range to put Villanova up double-digit late.
The Wildcats put the game away at the free throw line and secured an 80-69 win in Omaha.
Duke Brennan delivered yet another double-double with 21 points on 8-for-9 shooting and 12 rebounds. Tyler Perkins continued his hot streak with 17 points and 11 rebounds.
Villanova (20-5, 11-3) went 14-for-19 from the free throw line. This is an area where the team has struggled this season, but especially over the last two games. The Wildcats used the free throw line to ice the game against Creighton in the final minutes.
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It was a slow start for both teams offensively. Creighton (13-13, 7-8) missed seven of its first eight shots and the Wildcats attempted to take advantage.
Devin Askew knocked down back-to-back three’s to put Villanova ahead 25-10 with seven minutes left in the first half. Askew finished with 13 points but struggled from the field, shooting 4-for-17 and 3-for-11 from deep.
Villanova took a 14-point lead into the half before the Blue Jays attempted to throw a punch out of the locker room. Creighton scored 10 quick points to cut the lead in half but that is as close as it got. Villanova did not allow the lead to get below seven at any point in the second half.
Palmer was a major factor off the bench with 10 points on three shots in 21 minutes. Bryce Lindsay started but played just 13 minutes as his struggles continue from the field.
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Villanova will hit the road once again on Tuesday for the first matchup of the year against Xavier. The Wildcats will then return home for UConn and Butler.
With six games remaining, Villanova continues to roll and show that is a legitimate tournament team in year one under Kevin Willard.
