Villanova Basketball: Wildcats clinch at least share of Big East crown with dominating win over Hall

Villanova basketball has clinched at least a share of their fourth straight Big East title.

The Villanova Wildcats (26-2, 12-2) have been the definition of consistency since the college basketball realignment four years ago. Jay Wright’s ‘Cats have lost just eight total conference games during that time period and clinched at least a share of their fourth straight Big East Conference title on Saturday afternoon.

Despite a raucous environment and the fact that they were playing with just six players due to the injuries to Phil Booth (knee) and Darryl Reynolds (rib), the defending National Champs were still able to defeat a desperate Seton Hall team by 22 points (92 to 70) at the Prudential Center.

Villanova had four players score in double figures but were led by the fantastic play of sophomore point guard Jalen Brunson, who scored 22 points on 7-of-7 shooting and dished out 10 assists.

Villanova's Jalen Brunson became the 1st player in the last 20 seasons to score at least 20 points with 10 assists and 0 missed FG pic.twitter.com/PM4mIyfFsp
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) February 18, 2017

Brunson was in command of the game from the get-go, playing under control and guiding Villanova to a highly efficient offensive performance that consisted of Kris Jenkins (22 points), Josh Hart (19 points) and Mikal Bridges (15 points) scoring over 10 points.

The Wildcats shot 67 percent from the field, 57 percent from three and 82 percent from the free throw line. They only turned the ball over 11 times and had 16 assists on 33 made field goals.

More from Busting Brackets

“They’re really good,” Seton Hall head coach Kevin Willard said postgame. “Last year, I thought they would be a championship team. I think this team can really do it again. They’re special.

“I think what I love about this Villanova team is with a minute to go Josh Hart is yelling at his guys for giving up a defensive driving lane. Jay’s got two special kids in Jenkins and Hart and if your leader is still pissed at the end when you’re up 20 on the road, and you’re giving up a driving lane because you didn’t switch, I think that’s when you have a special team.”

The thought heading into the game was that Seton Hall could expose the Wildcats in the paint with Angel Delgado and Ismael Sanogo. However, that didn’t prove to be the case as Villanova beat the Pirates on the glass by three and other than Delgado, no Seton Hall player grabbed more than four rebounds.

But the most impressive thing about Nova’s victory was the Wildcats’ balance and poise. I know we say it almost every time Villanova takes the court but their unselfishness and composure is tough to top. And that’s why they are one of the favorites to win the National Championship and be the first team to repeat since the 2006-07 Florida Gators.

Seton Hall got off to a terrific start and led 9-3, but Wright’s team stayed calm, cool and collected and punched the Pirates in the mouth the rest of the way. They had uncharacteristic turnovers late in the second half when they were up by 20+ plus points, but once again they didn’t let the Pirates build off the little momentum that they had.

Next: Five potential replacements for Mark Gottfried

For Seton Hall, while this game doesn’t negatively impact their resume, it was a missed opportunity against the No. 2 team in the country. They are now 16-10 overall and 6-8 in the Big East with games against Xavier, DePaul, Georgetown and Butler remaining. Wednesday’s home showdown against the Musketeers is a must win in the short term, but the Pirates really do need to finish at least .500 in the league to have a shot at an at-large bid.