No. 3 Villanova 95, Maryland 86: Reynolds Leads The Way

Washington, DC (Sports Network) – Scottie Reynolds poured in 25 points to go with eight assists, leading No. 3 Villanova to a 95-86 victory over Maryland as part of the BB&T Classic at the Verizon Center.

Corey Stokes hit five of Villanova’s 16 three-pointers en route to an 18- point effort, and Corey Fisher was 4-of-6 from downtown for 20 points, as the Wildcats (8-0) narrowly missed their sixth double-digit win of the season.

Maryland (5-3) shot 52.8 percent from the floor but 19 turnovers turned into 32 points the other way. Villanova also had 23 offensive rebounds, compared to seven for the Terrapins, who were led by Sean Mosley’s 26 points.

Jordan Williams ended with 19 points and 12 boards in defeat, Maryland’s third in four games.

The Wildcats held a 49-39 lead at the break, and it was still a 10-point game, 61-51, in the early stages of the second half. Maryland put together eight straight points, as Eric Hayes’ trey made it a two-point game with 13 1/2 minutes remaining.

The Terrapins had three chances to inch closer but came away empty-handed, and Fisher’s three-ball jump-started Villanova’s own 8-0 rally.

Maryland had it as close as 85-79 following Williams’ three-point play with just over three minutes to play, but a turnover led to a Taylor King layup in transition for Villanova, and the Wildcats were able to keep it a two- possession game the rest of the way.

A trio of three-pointers from Villanova in the opening two-plus minutes set the stage for the game. Stokes hit the last one for a 9-3 lead, and Reynolds drained one from downtown for a 17-6 with six minutes gone.

Villanova, which attempted 39 threes, received eight points and 11 rebounds from Antonio Pena…The Wildcats next have a pair of Big 5 tests against Saint Joseph’s on Wednesday and Temple next Sunday…Maryland, which got 20 points out of Hayes, next plays Eastern Kentucky on Saturday…Greivis Vasquez ended with 12 points, seven assists and as many turnovers in defeat.

- Via Sports Network