No. 4 Villanova strikes revenge against reeling No. 11 Providence

PROVIDENCE, R.I. - Darryl Reynolds had 19 points and 10 rebounds and fourth-ranked Villanova held off a late rally to defeat No. 11 Providence 72-60 on Saturday.

The win avenges Villanova’s overtime loss at home to the Friars last month, its lone Big East loss this season.

Ryan Arcidiacono added 16 points to help the Wildcats (20-3, 10-1) earn their 12th victory in 13 games.

Villanova led by as many as 17 in the second half before seeing its lead cut all the way to four with 2:59 to play on a 3-pointer by Ben Bentil.

But the Wildcats handled the Friars’ full court pressure down the stretch, knocking down open shots late in the shot clock, and capitalizing on extra possessions via offensive rebounds.

Bentil led Providence (18-6, 6-5) with 20 points. Kris Dunn added 11.

Bentil didn’t start the game after spraining his right ankle in the Friars loss to DePaul on Tuesday. But he led the comeback effort in the second half for Providence, scoring 18 points in the final 20 minutes.

Villanova took advantage of Bentil’s absence to start the game, quickly jumping out to a 10-0 lead.

Bentil began the game on the sideline riding an exercise bike, but after the first seven Wildcats’ points Providence coach Ed Cooley checked him into the game.

Even with their leader on the court, the Friars continued to struggle. They missed seven of their first eight shots and couldn’t to match the Wildcats’ aggressiveness on the inside.

As a result Villanova built a 19-point lead in the opening 20 minutes and held a 27-15 rebounding advantage.

TIP-INS

Villanova: Wildcats F Daniel Ochefu missed his third straight game with a concussion he sustained in practice. He remains under the university’s concussion protocol. … Coach Jay Wright improves to 17-8 all-time against.

Providence: Got outrebounded 46-29. … Drops to 4-3 against Top 25 teams this season. …Trails all-time series with Villanova 57-39.

UP NEXT

Providence: Travels to Marquette on Wednesday.

Villanova: Travels to DePaul on Tuesday.

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