The Boston University Terriers lead the Villanova Wildcats 26-23 after the first half at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia.
Using the three-pointer (and going 3-6 from behind the arc), the Terriers began the game on a 13-4 run through the first five minutes. Boston had 5 assists on 5 field goals. Villanova was held to just 2-10 shooting during the same stretch. Boston forward Patrick Hazel had four points in the first five minutes.
Villanova was able to hit a couple of three-pointers over the next five minutes but Boston responded with a three of their own to keep their distance from the Wildcats. D.J. Irving picked up two quick fouls for Boston in the early going but did not sit on the bench very long. Irving was 3-3 from the floor in the first half and led the Terriers in scoring with eight points. Darryl Partin had only four points.
Mouphtaou Yarou was dominant in the paint in the first half for Villanova with 11 points and seven rebounds. He had to sit for a few minutes at the 5:37 mark with two fouls. The rest of the Villanova team struggled to score against the Boston defense.
The Wildcats stayed in the game with their defense (they forced 9 turnovers) and free throw shooting. Villanova finished the first half by missing their last 16 shots. They didn't make a field goal in the last 8:54 of the first half.
Boston will try to get their first win against Villanova (0-2 in all-time series) when the second half begins.
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