VCU came into the game ranked # 14 and had fantastic aspirations. But, # 12 Villanova sent them home. Villanova destroyed VCU by 24. VCU held it close for the 1st half but VCU could not keep up in the second half. Villanova took charge early in the second half with a 16-0 run.
JayVaughn, 6′ 7″ 245# senior, was one of the stars for Villanova. He scored 15 points and grabbed 7 rebounds with one block. After the game, he was asked about the game and excitement about playing so close to home (15 minutes away). He mentioned that he was focusing on intensity, defense and rebounding. Those were evident and that intensity may have driven him to be the high point total leader for the game.
The downfall for VCU, besides the 16-o run that occured over a two minute time frame, was their 3-point shooting. The Rams only made 2 of 17 from the 3 point range. The saying, “live or die by the three”, was true tonight. VCU died by the 3. They could not hit the shot and that changed the whole complex of the game.
The Wildcats had three other players who were in double figure: Darrun Hilliard II (14), Kris Jenkins (13), and Josh Hart (10). Ryan Arcidiacono was setting them up; he had nine assists. The Wildcats moved to 4-0. Villanova should cruise for the next five games and be well prepared for their December 20th match-up against Syracuse.
VCU needs to regroup before they get back into the swing of schedule. Briante Weber and Melvin Johnson both had 13 points for VCU. Outside of them, the team struggled mightily. Villanova only shot 37% from the field, 11% from the 3-point line and 53% from the free throw line. Those numbers will not win you many games especially against the teams in the top 25.
Villanova will be facing the winner of the Michigan-Oregon for the championship final on Tuesday.
Photo: Jack Jorgensen
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