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Photo: Villanova Sophmore Guard Tyler Perkins Blocks Former Teammate Penn's Sam Brown / via: Villanova Athletics
With 7:35 left in the first half, a tied score of 26-26 is exactly what the Wildcats feared. With the surprising announcement of Wooga Poplar being benched after showing up late to a team meeting, Tyler Perkins earned the start against his former Big 5 squad. Yet, with the game tied at 26, Wooga hit a big three, and Villanova would not look back from there, going on a 17-point run to end the first half and outscoring Penn 50-23 in the second half, en route to a dominant 93-49 victory.
When asked about the matchup against Penn, one that had Perkins on the floor several times during the game, the sophomore said, "It's just another game. We prepared as we always do, focusing on playing Villanova basketball."
Perkins embodied that focus, scoring 10 of his 12 points in the first half, including seven of Villanova's first 15 points. His energy was infectious, playing with a clear chip on his shoulder. "Tyler Perkins is the ultimate competitor," Coach Neptune noted. "He sets the tone and no matter what team he is on, he is going to bring it."
The Turning Point: A 17-0 Run
Villanova’s breakout moment came during the final seven minutes of the first half. With Penn shooting a blistering 80% from three-point range early on, Villanova's defensive intensity improved during an 8-0 run that stretched into a game-altering 17-0 surge. The run featured contributions from multiple players, including Perkins, Jhamir Brickus, and Wooga Poplar, whose clutch three-pointer at the 7-minute mark broke the tie and ignited the Wildcats.
"Our communication defensively and willingness to share the ball made the difference," said Neptune, with the team’s 19 assists totaling more than their past two games combined.
This period of heightened intensity marked a stark contrast from Villanova’s early struggles, particularly with perimeter defense. While Penn found open looks from three in the first 14 minutes, shooting over 50% from deep in the first half, the Wildcats locked in for the remainder of the game, holding the Quakers to just two three-pointers in the second half.
Second Half Dominance
Villanova carried their momentum into the second half, extending their lead early and controlling the game throughout. They outscored Penn 50-23 in the half and maintained focus until the final whistle. Villanova led for an impressive 37:47 of the game.
Notable Performances
Eric Dixon: Dixon led all scorers with 23 points (9-14 FG, 4-5 3PT) and added six rebounds. His scoring versatility and athleticism were a constant mismatch for Penn.
Wooga Poplar: Despite starting the game on the bench, Wooga finished with 19 points, shooting 5-8 from three. His crucial shot to break the 26-26 tie catalyzed Villanova's momentum.
Jhamir Brickus: A floor general throughout the game, Brickus contributed 16 points (4-4 from three) and dished out eight assists.
Tyler Perkins: Starting in place of Wooga, Perkins scored 12 points, grabbed nine rebounds, and recorded three steals in a gritty performance.
Defensive Improvements
Villanova's defensive efficiency jumped significantly, improving from 108 in KenPom after their last game to 90 after the win against Penn. This was buoyed by their ability to limit Penn to 29% shooting from beyond the arc after their hot start and forcing 15 turnovers.
Coach Neptune emphasized the importance of defensive cohesion: "I thought our guys came out really focused, especially defensively. We withstood some tough shots that they made in the beginning and wore them out towards the end just with defensive pressure, intensity, and just getting stops."
This focus was especially evident during the 17-0 run that ended the first half, where Villanova’s communication and defensive sharpness forced Penn into contested shots and turnovers. It was a marked improvement in cohesion that Coach Neptune stressed was essential for their identity moving forward. "That's who we got to be," he added, reflecting on the defensive strides made in the game.
Offensive Growth
Though the offense at times remained stagnant, relying heavily on ball screens and Eric Dixon isolation, Villanova showcased better ball movement compared to previous games.
Coach Kyle Neptune briefly addressed the team's approach to Penn’s defensive schemes, particularly Penn’s use of a 2-3 zone that completely stifled Villanova’s offense last season.
When asked about how they handled Penn’s zone, Neptune responded: "Yeah I mean, obviously you go, and you look at and scout each team and you try to see their tendencies offensively and defensively, try to be prepared so we try to be prepared as possible."
Villanova’s improved ball movement against the zone was evident in their assist numbers, as they tallied 19 assists compared to a combined total from their previous two games. Players like Jhamir Brickus (8 assists) and Eric Dixon (4 assists) played pivotal roles in breaking down the zone by making sharp reads and facilitating open looks, particularly from three-point range and with Dixon playing at the top of the key. This offensive execution helped them shoot 60% from beyond the arc, with consistent contributions from Brickus, Poplar, and Dixon.
The Wildcats’ ability to pick apart the zone defense showcased their growth in offensive cohesion, an area Coach Neptune acknowledged is still a work in progress for what has become commonplace in this era of College Basketball, with the ‘Cats having nine new players learning their system.
A Step in the Right Direction, But Questions Still Remain
This win, while impressive in its margin, must be viewed in context. Beating Penn is expected for Villanova. However, this game demonstrated key steps forward—defensive improvements, better ball movement, and contributions from many different players. If Villanova is going to be even an above-average team, they will have to build on their performance against Penn. "We’re focused on getting better every game," Neptune stated.
With hope among the fanbase still low, the Wildcats must now turn their attention to their next game against Maryland. A win against a higher-caliber opponent could mark a turning point in a challenging early season for Villanova.
"Tonight was a good step in the right direction…but we got to get better despite the results." The results haven't been great, but if Villanova is to turn the season around, as they did with 8 minutes left in the first half, then a win against Maryland is a must.
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