Second-half defensive collapse costs ’Cats

Defense continues to be a problem for the Villanova women’s basketball team.

Troy scored 56 points to erase an eight-point halftime deficit and beat the Wildcats, 93-85, in the opening round of the San Juan Shootout in Daytona Beach, Fla.

Villanova (1-3) has allowed an average of 91 points in its three losses.

Amanda Mendoza scored 14 of her 21 points in the third quarter as Troy outscored Villanova, 3015, to turn a 45-37 deficit into a 6760 lead heading into the final period. The Trojans (3-1) shot 50 percent from the field overall and 70 percent from the 3-point line in the second half. Troy connected on 13 of 16 free throws in the fourth quarter to seal the victory.

Alex Louin led four Villanova players in double figures with 23 points. Adrianna Hahn added 14 points, Kelly Jekot 12 and Jannah Tucker 10. The Wildcats play VCU at 8 p.m. Friday in the final round of the tournament.