Connecticut Huskies vs Villanova Wildcats Box Score on Mar 04, 2023

Jordan Hawkins scored 24 points, Alex Karaban added 16 points and three blocked shots, and No. 14 UConn defeated host Villanova 71-59 Saturday in Philadelphia.

Andre Jackson Jr. contributed 10 points and seven rebounds, and Adama Sanogo had nine points and nine rebounds for the Huskies (24-7, 13-7 Big East), who won their final five regular-season games.

Hawkins' 3-pointer with 3:32 left gave Connecticut a commanding 61-47 advantage. The Huskies hit all 10 free throws in the final 1:15 to help seal the victory.

Justin Moore led Villanova with 17 points while Cam Whitmore added 14.

The Wildcats (16-15, 10-10) had their three-game winning streak snapped. They shot just 7-of-28 from 3-point territory.

Villanova got within 65-57 when Whitmore hit a 3-pointer with 50.2 seconds left, but that's as close as it would get.

After Villanova pulled within 35-28 on a 3-pointer by Moore, the Huskies ripped off a quick 7-0 run capped by Hawkins' trey for a 14-point advantage with 16:40 remaining in the second half.

Hawkins drove to the basket and threw down a dunk with 9:23 left for a 50-38 advantage.

The Wildcats kept battling and closed within 52-43 on a twisting layup by Whitmore with 7:34 to go. Whitmore was fouled but missed the free throw.

The game was a tight defensive battle early and was tied at 19 with 6:37 left in the first half.

Sanogo completed a three-point play with 5:13 remaining for a 24-20 lead.

Moore missed a 3-pointer for Villanova and Nahiem Alleyne converted a three-point play for a 27-20 advantage with 4:15 left.

Brandon Slater knocked down two free throws with 54.9 seconds to go and the Wildcats trailed 30-24.

Karaban hit a long jumper from the corner at buzzer and the Huskies led 32-24 at halftime.

Villanova had eight turnovers and just one assist in the first 20 minutes.

--Field Level Media