Villanova finally subdues Tigers, scoring game’s final 17 points

Fourteenth-ranked Villanova survived an upset bid by host Towson on Saturday night, escaping Johnny Unitas Stadium with a 24-9 victory.

The Wildcats scored the final 17 points of the game to pull away for the Colonial Athletic Association victory.

Jabari Greenwood caught 10 passes for 78 yards to power the Tigers, who dropped to 2-3 overall and 0-2 in the CAA.

Aidan O'Neill’s field goal gave Towson its only lead of the game, 9-7, with 6 minutes, 41 seconds remaining in the third quarter, but the Wildcats got a pair of h scoring runs from Jack Schetelic in the final quarter to pull off the victory.

Villanova improved to 3-2 and 1-1 in the CAA.

The Tigers’ defense forced four turnovers. Monty Fenner led Towson with two interceptions. Keon Paye also had an interception and Coby Tippett recovered a fumble. Radio:

Towson quarterback Ryan Stover threw for 202 yards and ran for a touchdown.

In addition to O'Neill's eighth field goal of the season, the Tigers’ other points were courtesy of Stover’s 3-yard touchdown run in the second quarter. Towson opened the second half with a 17-play, 65-yard scoring drive that ate up the first 8:15 of the third quarter. It was TU's longest scoring drive of the season in plays and time of possession.

Towson’s lead lasted just 59 seconds as Drew Kresge kicked a 46-yard field goal to give Villanova the lead for good.

Villanova’s short drive was set up by Josh McGrigg’s 53-yard kickoff return immediately after O'Neill’s field goal.

That set the Wildcats up at Towson's 29-yard line.

Villanova opened the scoring when Taurus Phillips caught a 7-yard pass from Schetelich. That capped a 15-play, 75-yard drive for the Wildcats on their first possession.