The Villanova Wildcats fell to the Cincinnati Bearcats today, dropping their overall record to 8-10 on the season and 1-5 in Big East Conference play. Despite a career game for junior guard Maalik Wayns, the Wildcats were mired by 16 turnovers and were unable to hang on to a five point halftime lead on the road, losing by a final of 82-78.
Wayns – whose previous career high was 29 against St. Louis earlier this season – scored 39 points on 22 shots, adding 13 rebounds and six assists. Dominic Cheek was second in scoring with 19.
The biggest difference in the game was turnovers. As previously mentioned, the Wildcats coughed it up 16 times, while the Bearcats had only three turnovers. Cincy's defense was able to get their hands on the ball, forcing 10 steals and blocking five shots.
The 8-9 Villanova Wildcats lead the 13-4 Cincinnati Bearcats by five points at halftime in their fifth Big East match-up of the season. Since beginning Conference play on December 28 against the West Virginia Mountaineers, the Wildcats have lost four of five games, including their last time out against the number one ranked Syracuse Orange. If the Wildcats want any chance at a tourney bid, they're going to have to catch fire in Big East play, starting today against second place Cincinnati.
So far so good as the Wildcats hold a slim five point lead in Fifth Third Arena. Nova has shot 64 percent from the field, including 10 three pointers. Maalik Wayns and Dominic Cheek have combined for 35 of the Wildcats 45 points and nine threes.
