Villanova vs. Illinois: Score and Twitter Reaction from 2014 Jimmy V Classic

Every year, the Jimmy V Classic is a special tournament, and Tuesday was a special night for Villanova. The No. 7 Wildcats moved to 9-0 with a 73-59 win over Illinois, handing the Fighting Illini their second loss of the season.

NCAA March Madness passed along the result from Madison Square Garden:

As they have for much of the season, the Wildcats shared the wealth throughout the game. Dylan Ennis led Villanova with 18 points. Meanwhile, JayVaughn Pinkston and Daniel Ochefu cleaned up in the paint with a combined 20 points and 12 rebounds.

Coming off of a season where Villanova won the Big East regular-season championship, the Wildcats look even more deadly with a wealth of shooters. Illini coach John Groce discussed the strength of Villanova prior to the game, via Mark Tupper of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch:

"

They don’t really have any weaknesses or holes. They can score inside and out, drive it and post it. They play together and get a high number of assists. They turn you over and they rebound well at both ends. They take charges and dive on loose balls.

This is one of the best teams in the country. We’re going to find out a lot about our team.

"

Both teams traded blows early in the first half, with Illinois keeping the margin close leading up to the half. Pinkston was the story early, but it was all Ennis late, as he took control of the game in the second half with 12 points in the final 10 minutes.

Jon Rothstein of CBS Sports offered his analysis of Ennis' game:

After being tied up at 38-38 in the second half, Villanova began to pull away. The Wildcats went on an 8-0 run and finally had a comfortable cushion, never relinquishing the lead after that point.

A huge part of the crushing play for Villanova during the run and throughout the game was generated by swarming defense. The 'Cats combined for eight steals and three Ochefu blocks. ESPN Stats & Info point out how the defense impacted the game:

Illinois was able to close the gap several times thanks to phenomenal play from Malcolm Hill. The sophomore paced the Illini with 20 points and four rebounds in the losing effort. However, Illinois was outrebounded, 36-27, as Hill couldn't do it all in New York.

Illinois Basketball provides a look at some of the best plays from Hill on the night:

Jonathan Givony of Draft Express also offers his take on the young player:

Despite the strong effort from Hill, Illinois fell for the second time in its past three games. After starting the season undefeated, the Illini will look to stop the bleeding against the likes of Oregon and Missouri over the next two weeks.

Coming off of the win, Villanova heads home to face Temple on Sunday before a tough schedule. Both Syracuse and Butler will visit The Pavilion, with the Bulldogs starting Big East play for the Wildcats.

Luckily for both teams, this might not be the only time they match up this season. Given the immense talent and start for the two programs, a trip to the NCAA tournament seems like an obvious destination after a tight game on the big stage.

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