Villanova seeks to build momentum against Sacred Heart

After a close loss in its season opener, Villanova bounced back with a win its last time out. The Wildcats hope to carry that momentum into Tuesday's home date against Sacred Heart.

Under first-year coach Kevin Willard, Villanova (1-1) dropped a 71-66 decision to No. 8 BYU in its opening contest of the campaign. The Wildcats shot just 35.8 percent from the field and 28.6 percent from 3-point range, not to mention a disappointing 8-of-15 effort from the foul line.

Things went much better in a 94-74 win over Queens University on Saturday, as Bryce Lindsay poured in 25 points and Acaden Lewis had 21 on 9-of-13 shooting.

"Coach Willard stuck with me," said Lewis, who scored five points on 1-of-6 shooting against BYU. "He knows I'm a freshman. I had a rough first game. I stayed with it, watched film and was just happy to get back out there with my guys."

Meanwhile, Duke Brennan has been a model of consistency for the Wildcats. The senior has pulled down 35 rebounds in the first two games, including 20 against Queens, and he's also averaging 12.5 points per contest.

"Duke just plays so hard," said Willard. "If you've never played against him, he's going to outwork you. That's what I love about him."

Sacred Heart (1-1) is coming off a 92-80 defeat against Duquesne in which Nyle Ralph-Beyer led the way with 17 points and eight rebounds. Dashon Gittens chipped in with 16 points, while Anquan Hill added 13.

The Pioneers shot just 37.5 percent from the field and 23.3 percent from outside the arc. They attempted 46 free throws, knocking down 31, and committed 11 turnovers, including four by Mekhi Conner.

"The coaches are way tougher on us this year," said Conner, who is 2-of-12 from the field this season. "Just little things that we would get away with last year, we're not getting away with last year."

-Field Level Media