Brunson leads No. 4 Villanova to rout of Penn

RADNOR » Jalen Brunson had 17 points to lead five players in double figures as No. 4 Villanova routed Penn 90-62 on Wednesday night.

Omari Spellman, Mikal Bridges and Phil Bridges added 14 points apiece and Donte DiVincenzo scored 12 for the Wildcats (7-0), who remained undefeated while winning their 15th straight game against Penn.

AJ Brodeur paced Penn with 15 points and Darnell Foreman had 13 for the Quakers (5-4).

The game was played at Jake Nevin Field House, a bandbox gym on Villanova’s campus that seats 2,220. It was the first game at the Wildcats’ former home since Jan. 4, 1986. Villanova is playing most of its home games this season at Wells Fargo Center, home court of the 76ers, while its regular on-campus arena gets a makeover.

The victory was Villanova’s 19th in a row against Philadelphia Big 5 rivals. The famed Philadelphia City Series started in 1956, but Wednesday’s game was the first to be played at Nevin Field House. It became the 10th venue for a Big 5 contest, most of which have been held at The Palestra.

Villanova shot an efficient 57 percent in the opening half to take a 46-28 lead. Nine Wildcats scored in the opening 20 minutes, led by Spellman’s 10 points.

The Wildcats were in total control after halftime and the advantage reached as much as 74-47 on Bridges’ fastbreak dunk with 8:38 remaining.

Villanova finished shooting 57 percent from the field, including 50 percent from beyond the arc.

Villanova also honored the late Rollie Massimino as 21 members of the former coach’s family were on hand.

Also introduced to the crowd were many former Wildcats who played at Nevin Field House.

The Wildcats have won 27 straight games in November.

BIG PICTURE

VILLANOVA » The Wildcats will look to continue their dominance of the Philadelphia rivals on Saturday at Saint Joseph’s. They’ll host La Salle at the Wells Fargo Center on Dec. 10 and finish the Big 5 at Temple on Dec. 13. PENN » The Quakers are tuning up for the start of the Ivy League season, which begins for them Jan. 5 against archrival Princeton.

UP NEXT

VILLANOVA » At Saint Joseph’s on Saturday night. PENN » At Howard on Monday night.

LAURENCE KESTERSON — THE ASSOCIATED PRESS Fans fill Jake Nevin Field House during the second half Wednesday as Villanova took care of Pennsylvania.