On Saturday, Jan. 24, Villanova men’s basketball traveled to Hartford, Ct, to face second-ranked University of Connecticut and fell, 75-67, in overtime.
“No,” head coach Kevin Willard said when asked if he was encouraged by the results of the game. “I don’t like losing.”
After going back and forth for the entirety of regulation, a three-pointer from redshirt freshman Matt Hodge helped send the game to overtime, where the ‘Cats (15-5, 6-3 Big East) went one-of-eight from the field. UConn (19-1, 9-0) pulled ahead to win its 15th consecutive game.
The Wildcats shot 20-for-59 (34%) from field goal range, 10-for-26 (38%) from beyond the arc and shot 17-for-22 (77%) from the free throw line.
Senior forward Duke Brennan posted his eighth double-double of the season with a team-high 16 points and 14 rebounds. Junior guard Tyler Perkins also had a double-double, tying Brennan’s 16 points, to go with 10 rebounds.
“Perks is playing hard,” Willard said. “He’s playing physical, using his shot-fake well, and doing a lot of good things.”
Villanova and UConn had nearly identical field goal percentages through the opening nine minutes. The ‘Cats shot 50% from the three-point line compared to UConn’s 25%.
UConn entered a scoring drought midway through the first half, shooting just 2-for-10. Once the Huskies rallied back, Villanova had a dry spell of its own, going scoreless from field goal range for over five minutes.
A layup from Brennan got things going again with a minute left in the half. UConn cut the gap to one point, but sophomore guard Malachi Palmer sank a three-pointer with 27 seconds to go to close out the half with Villanova ahead, 31-27.
The Wildcats shot 37% from the field in the first half and 40% from beyond the arc.
Three minutes into the second half, UConn’s freshman forward Braylon Mullins exited the game due to a head injury after colliding with Lewis. Mullins had eight points at that point and did not return.
The game was tied with about six minutes to go, Brennan was benched with four fouls, resulting in a height deficit on the floor for the ‘Cats.
With Lewis struggling, Willard opted for experience and sent in senior guard Devin Askew for almost the rest of the game.
“I have to get better at that. I have to put the right lineups in at the right times,” Willard said. “I’m learning a lot about certain guys and what to do.”
UConn’s Alex Caraban put up nine points in five minutes to put the Huskies up by two. After a technical foul from UConn head coach Dan Hurley and another on the floor from the Huskies, Villanova took a couple of trips to the line to remain in the game.
With just over a minute left to play, Hodge sank a three to put Villanova back in front, 61-59. UConn quickly answered back with a quick two to tie the game with 45 seconds to go.
The ‘Cats got possession but failed to capitalize on it. Redshirt sophomore Bryce Lindsay was blocked on a two-point attempt, and the Huskies managed to tie it up for a jump ball with 19 seconds remaining. In a strong defensive effort on the next possession, Lindsay stole the ball from Karaban, who was driving toward the basket.
“The big thing is, we’re going down playing high-level defense,” Willard said. “If we can continue building on that, then we’ll get out on transition, and get some easier buckets.”
Villanova and UConn ended regulation tied, 61-61.
Villanova struck first with its 10th three-pointer of the night. It would also be its final basket of the extra period.
The Wildcats managed to stay in the game on foul shots, but after tying the game at 67-67, things began to fall apart.
Askew fouled out with 13 points and four rebounds.
After sinking two foul shots and a layup shortly after, UConn went up four points with 47 seconds left to go.
With 31 seconds remaining, Lindsay missed a deep three-pointer, and Villanova was forced to foul on UConn’s next possession.
The Huskies made both shots to go up six points, sealing the game.
The Wildcats currently sit in third place in the Big East Conference behind St. John’s and UConn.
Villanova will return to action on Friday, Jan. 30, against Providence (9-11, 2-7 Big East) at home (FS1, 7 p.m.). It is the start of the second half of the Big East schedule. The two teams met earlier this season on Jan. 13, and the ‘Cats won 88-82. The Friars are currently ninth in the Big East.
