CHARLESTON, S.C. – The Western Michigan Broncos gave defending national champion Villanova a tough test in the opening game of the Gildan Charleston Classic, but ultimately fell to the No. 3 ranked Wildcats, 76-65.
Junior Thomas Wilder opened the game with a 3-pointer from the wing, but the Wildcats went on a 14-2 run after the Wilder 3-pointer and never trailed again.
Western trailed by 11 at halftime and each team scored 32 points in the second half Wildcats in the second half, 32-32. Two Wilder free throws at 6:18 of the final period pulled the Broncos within three at 59-56. ‘Nova, however, outscored WMU 17-9 down the stretch.
The Broncos held . . .
Junior Thomas Wilder opened the game with a 3-pointer from the wing, but the Wildcats went on a 14-2 run after the Wilder 3-pointer and never trailed again.
Western trailed by 11 at halftime and each team scored 32 points in the second half Wildcats in the second half, 32-32. Two Wilder free throws at 6:18 of the final period pulled the Broncos within three at 59-56. ‘Nova, however, outscored WMU 17-9 down the stretch.
The Broncos held . . .
. . . the Wildcats to two scoring droughts that lasted nearly 4:00 apiece in each the first half and second half.
Wilder led all scorers with 19 points, including a stretch late in the first half where he scored 10 straight of the Broncos' points. Sophomore Josh Davis, who added two monstrous dunks, finished with a career-high 14 points and added two steals.
Wilder led all scorers with 19 points, including a stretch late in the first half where he scored 10 straight of the Broncos' points. Sophomore Josh Davis, who added two monstrous dunks, finished with a career-high 14 points and added two steals.
Sophomore Seth Dugan had another good showing, finishing with 12 points and eight rebounds while Bryce Moore and Brandon Johnson each had five points. Senior Tucker Haymond finished with four points, but added six rebounds and six assists.
The Wildcats were the highest ranked team the Broncos have faced since traveling to No. 3 Michigan on December 4, 2012. Villanova had four players score in double-figures including Eric Paschall, who led the team with 17. Preseason All-American selection Josh Hart and Jalen Brunson each had 14, while Kris Jenkins added 11.
The Broncos will face the loser of Central Florida/Wake Forest at 3:30 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 17 on day two of the Gildan Charleston Classic.
The Wildcats were the highest ranked team the Broncos have faced since traveling to No. 3 Michigan on December 4, 2012. Villanova had four players score in double-figures including Eric Paschall, who led the team with 17. Preseason All-American selection Josh Hart and Jalen Brunson each had 14, while Kris Jenkins added 11.
The Broncos will face the loser of Central Florida/Wake Forest at 3:30 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 17 on day two of the Gildan Charleston Classic.
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