Villanova Cruises to Win Over Xavier

Wildcats Give Up Fewest Points This Season

VILLANOVA, PA 1/17/2023 –

The Villanova Wildcats led from start to finish in a dominant 76 – 36 win over the Xavier Musketeers at the Finneran Pavilion. Xavier turned the ball over 17 times which led to a 24 – 10 edge for Nova in points off turnovers, and held the Musketeers to less than 30% shooting. On offense Villanova had nine players score, and 11 of the 12 who played had an entry in the stat line. It was a complete effort for the Wildcats on both ends of the floor, with the focus on defense.

“We definitely had emphasis on defense tonight because we don’t know when the shots are going to fall,” said guard Lucy Olsen. “We came out with defensive intensity, energy, and wanted our defense to create offense. I think we did that.”

Maddy Siegrist led the way on offense with a game-high 27 points and 10 rebounds. It was her 11th double-double of the season, and 20th twenty-point game. Olsen scored 19 points and handed out 4 assists. Freshman Megan Olbrys added 8 points, one shy of her career-high in her fourteen minutes.

“I think she is feeling pretty good physically and being able to capitalize on both ends,” Villanova Coach Denise Dillon said about the progression of Olbrys. “I think she has gotten better defensively. We said when they hit the second semester, they are no longer freshman.”

One player who did not score, but had significant impact was Brooke Mullin who dished a game-best 6 assists. Villanova assisted 19 times on 28 baskets while shooting 55%.

Dillon liked the intensity on defense and that translated to good offense by all of those who played.

“We rotate a lot and they were able to keep the intensity and that’s important,” Dillon said. “They ‘ve got to understand it’s not just going to happen offensively. You’re not going to step on the floor and make shots. But of you are involved in part of the equation on the defense end, that creates offense for us.”

For Xavier Fernanda Ovalle scored a team-best 12 points.

The Musketeers are looking for their first Big East win after 10 tries, and are 7 – 12 overall.

#22 Villanova improves to 17 – 3 and is 8 – 1 in conference. The Wildcats travel to Omaha to play the Creighton Blue Jays on Friday.

With her 27 points Siegrist has 2,391 career-points. She needs 17 points to tie Shelly Pennefather for the top-spot in school scoring history. Siegrist moved into second place in program history in rebounds at 955 boards.

Boxscore

Written By: Glenn Papazian

Contact: Glenn@PhillyCollegeSports.com

Megan Olbrys With the Basketball

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