Wake Forest Falls To Hot Shooting #3 Villanova, 96-77
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It seemed like everything was falling for the Villanova Wildcats on Friday afternoon similarly to what Wake Forest was able to do to the UTEP Miners just one day prior. Villanova jumped out to an 8-0 lead and never trailed on their way to an impressive 96-77 win in the semifinals of the Gildan Charleston Classic.
Kris Jenkins and Villanova move on to the Charleston Classic Championship game Photo: Mic Smith/AP
Wake Forest's woes defensively came back in this game. For a few years now, Wake Forest has been able to score often, but has found trouble keeping teams from getting open shots for easy baskets. Giving a team like Villanova open looks is just guaranteeing a loss especially if you are the underdog. Wake's defenders just were a step late arriving to the three point line to challenge shots and then were not able to get the defensive rebounds when they needed to. Wake Forest had six players in double figures and made 50% of their own shots, but it didn't matter because they didn't make enough stops and allowed Villanova to shoot nearly 60% from the field.
The Wildcats star performer was senior guard Josh Hart. Hart scored 13 of Villanova's first 16 points and finished the game 11 for 14 (6 for 8 3PT) for 30 points. Wake Forest's top performer was forward John Collins with 17 points, 6 rebounds and 3 blocks. Overall, it was a clean game for both teams with only ten total turnovers between the two sides.
Another big stat line was the rebounding differential. Even though Wake Forest has a big team, they were out-rebounded by the smaller Wildcats. Villanova had 34 total rebounds while Wake had just 24. When a team doesn't get out quick enough to challenge the perimeter shooters, they need to rebound, but Wake was unsuccessful at this giving up nine offensive boards. Rebounding proved to be another contributing factor to the loss.
With their win, Villanova awaits the winner of UCF and the College of Charleston in the championship game of the tournament. Wake Forest will play whichever team loses that same game. Both games will be Sunday night, giving each of the four a day of rest.
