Behind an 11-2 run to end the half, Villanova (17-5) went into the locker room up by 15 and never looked back, dispatching Seton Hall by 12.
Much like the first meeting, the Pirates turned the Wildcats over and made it uncomfortable late. Villanova turned it over 15 times on the night, with a total of 29 in the two meetings.
Leading the team in scoring was Tyler Perkins, who recorded 18 points on the evening with 5 rebounds. The junior had a crucial and-one on the second half when Seton Hall was building momentum.
Malachi Palmer came off of the bench to score a career-high 15 points and grab 6 rebounds. The sophomore was 3/5 from three-point range and was shooting with confidence.
Duke Brennan tallied his ninth double-double on the season, scoring 12 points and grabbing 10 rebounds. The senior was 6/10 from the free throw line, continuing his improved shooting since the new year.
The Pirates got a bounce-back effort from Adam “Budd” Clark, who led the team in scoring with 18 points. The 5’10” junior only had 4 in the previous game against Villanova.
Outside of Clark, Seton Hall really couldn’t get anything going. The Pirates shot 2/17 from three as a team, with the second make coming with under a minute remaining.
Chris Jeffrey scored his first basket since Dec. 13, creating a turnover and finishing with left hand. His return, combined with Palmer’s ascension, is providing the Wildcats with the depth that was expected coming into season.
Villanova next takes on Georgetown on the road on Saturday.