Written by Erik Slaby
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Charleston, SC- In the opening game of the Charleston Classic tournament, the University of Villanova Wildcats defeated the Western Michigan University Broncos, 76-65. Barely two minutes into game, Villanova took the lead over Western Michigan and never relinquished it. Western Michigan looked out matched early on, but by the end of the first half it was clear they were a much tougher opponent than Villanova may have anticipated.
Western Michigan trailed Villanova most of the first half outside the first possession. Villanova went on several small runs and Western Michigan looked like they were having issue making shots and defending Villanova. 11 straight points by Thomas Wilder on Western Michigan’s next few possessions seemed to ignite them and they began to play with much more intensity.
With 1:10 left in the half, Western Michigan cut Villanova’s lead to five points but two big 3-pointers by Villanova forward Eric Paschall increased their lead to 11 points to end the half. Western Michigan guard Thomas Wilder led all scorers with 15 points. Western Michigan also out-rebounded Villanova 15-10. Guard Josh Hart and Paschall for Villanova led the team in scoring with nine points apiece. At the half, Villanova led Western Michigan 44-33.
In the second half, Western Michigan was able to narrow Villanova’s lead to three points, 59-56 after two free throws by Wilder. That was the closest they would get. Villanova would go on a 10-4 run in the final five minutes to dash Western Michigan’s hopes of winning.
Western Michigan had several moments were they gained the momentum but they were unable to capitalize on it as Villanova then went on a 10-4 run. Villanova also made several three-pointers and deep two-pointers to increase their lead and keep the game out of reach for Western Michigan.
Wilder led all scorers with 19 points and Western Michigan combo forward Josh Davis heated up in the second half with 14 points on 5 of 9 shooting. Center Seth Dugan also contributed 12 points and led the team in rebounds with eight.
Villanova was led by Paschall, who had 17 points on 5 of 8 shooting. Guards Jalen Brunson and Josh Hart each had 14 points apiece. Hart also led the Wildcats in rebounds with eight. Forward Kris Jenkins also added 11 points.
Villanova will face the winner of today’s later matchup in the tournament, between the Wake Forest Demon Deacons and University of Texas El Paso Miners, on Friday at 1:30 pm here at TD Arena. Western Michigan will face the loser of the contest on Friday at 3:30 pm.
Western Michigan trailed Villanova most of the first half outside the first possession. Villanova went on several small runs and Western Michigan looked like they were having issue making shots and defending Villanova. 11 straight points by Thomas Wilder on Western Michigan’s next few possessions seemed to ignite them and they began to play with much more intensity.
With 1:10 left in the half, Western Michigan cut Villanova’s lead to five points but two big 3-pointers by Villanova forward Eric Paschall increased their lead to 11 points to end the half. Western Michigan guard Thomas Wilder led all scorers with 15 points. Western Michigan also out-rebounded Villanova 15-10. Guard Josh Hart and Paschall for Villanova led the team in scoring with nine points apiece. At the half, Villanova led Western Michigan 44-33.
In the second half, Western Michigan was able to narrow Villanova’s lead to three points, 59-56 after two free throws by Wilder. That was the closest they would get. Villanova would go on a 10-4 run in the final five minutes to dash Western Michigan’s hopes of winning.
Western Michigan had several moments were they gained the momentum but they were unable to capitalize on it as Villanova then went on a 10-4 run. Villanova also made several three-pointers and deep two-pointers to increase their lead and keep the game out of reach for Western Michigan.
Wilder led all scorers with 19 points and Western Michigan combo forward Josh Davis heated up in the second half with 14 points on 5 of 9 shooting. Center Seth Dugan also contributed 12 points and led the team in rebounds with eight.
Villanova was led by Paschall, who had 17 points on 5 of 8 shooting. Guards Jalen Brunson and Josh Hart each had 14 points apiece. Hart also led the Wildcats in rebounds with eight. Forward Kris Jenkins also added 11 points.
Villanova will face the winner of today’s later matchup in the tournament, between the Wake Forest Demon Deacons and University of Texas El Paso Miners, on Friday at 1:30 pm here at TD Arena. Western Michigan will face the loser of the contest on Friday at 3:30 pm.