A full seven days after their last game, a win over Providence, the Wildcats were flat in a losing effort against the South Florida Bulls on Wednesday night. Villanova lost 65-51 on the road.
Nova was without their leading scorer, Maalik Wayns, who sat out with a knee injury. Without Wayns suited up, Maurice Sutton led the way with 10 points. He was the only Nova player in double figures. JayVaughn Pinkston led the team with six rebounds.
The Wildcats' rust was evident from the field. They made just 16 of 50 field goal attempts, 32 percent, compared to the Bulls' 50 percent. The Bulls also bested their Big East rivals hitting 18 of 20 free throw attempts.
South Florida had four players in double figures. Victor Rudd and Hugh Robertson tied for the lead with 14 points apiece.
The Wildcats have a tall order on Saturday when the host Notre Dame.
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