Kris Jenkins finished with 22 points - PSD photo by Zamani Feelings
PHILADELPHIA – In the opener of Big 5 play for two local Philadelphia schools, Villanova beat Penn 82-57 at the Palestra.
Villanova jumped out to a quick 10-3 lead early behind three pointers from Donte DiVincenzo and Kris Jenkins. Jenkins, who entered the night having an up and down season only shooting 41 percent from the field, never lost the stroke. He finished with a season high 22 points and 6 for 7 outside the three- point line.
Penn cut into the lead 18-13, with freshman A.J. Brodeur and junior Darnell Foreman both contributing from the floor. Brodeur and Foreman finished with 10 points apiece. Villanova managed to bounce back and finished the half on a 26 to 12 run to lead at half by 19. As a team, Villanova shot 12-26 from beyond the arc for the game.
The second half was up and down and entertaining, but Villanova was able to hold the lead at 20 thanks to superb all around play from their best player, Josh Hart. Hart finished with 12 points, 9 Rebounds, and 6 assists on the night.
PENN vs. VILLANOVA (35 Photos by Zamani Feelings)
Villanova’s defense was staunch, allowing Penn to shoot only 32% for the night. Penn did score off turnovers as Villanova coughed it up 17 times.
Coach Wright praised Penn’s improvement over the past year.
“The improvement in this team from last year to this year is very significant…This is a really good team going in a great direction.”
Villanova faces Big 5 rival St. Joe’s this Saturday at the Pavilion while Penn faces Temple at the Liacouras Center on the road on the same day.