MBB Minute: Villanova Alone In First Place After Win Over Seton Hall
Behind Daniel Ochefu’s 20 points and 18 rebounds, Villanova moved into sole possession of first place in the league standings after a 72-63 over Seton Hall at The Pavilion. The Wildcats are 3-0 in BIG EAST play.
The only other BIG EAST game Wednesday night had Xavier holding off St. John’s 74-66 at Carnesecca Arena. Xavier and Seton Hall are two of five teams with a 2-1 conference record.
In the Seton Hall win, Villanova also had a double-double from Josh Hart, who finished with 15 points and 10 rebounds. The Wildcats limited the Pirates to 35.6 percent from the floor, the first time this season the Hall was held under 40 percent.
Isaiah Whitehead continued his strong play for the Pirates, scoring 20 points.
Xavier saw its 12-point lead with 6:43 left shrink to one point, but still secured a win against St. John’s. Myles Davis scored 19 points for the Musketeers, including 9-of-9 from the free throw line. Trevon Bluiett added 18 points and was 9-of-11 from the line.
Federico Mussini and Ron Mvouika each had 19 points for the Red Storm. Mussini shot 5-of-8 from 3-point range.
BIG EAST teams are off until at least Saturday afternoon when three games are on the docket -- DePaul at Georgetown, Creighton at Seton Hall and St. John’s at Marquette.
According to RPIRatings.com through Wednesday’s games, Xavier is ranked No. 1 nationally with Villanova at No. 2. In Strength of Schedule rankings, Villanova is second nationally and Xavier is fifth.