Villanova drops Creighton for a Super Bowl diversion

PHILADELPHIA — Mikal Bridges scored 21 points and Jalen Brunson had 19 to lead No. 1 Villanova to its eighth consecutive victory, 98-78 over Creighton on Thursday night.

The Wildcats (21-1, 8-1 Big East) tied a program record with 19 three-pointers and provided a nice diversion for a city consumed with the Philadelphia Eagles and the Super Bowl.

Yes, the best team in college basketball plays across the street from the NFC champs. It just takes a lot to notice around town this week.

Creighton (17-6, 7-4) became the latest team to learn the hard way just how talented the Wildcats are and how they can win in almost any possible way.

Omari Spellman hit four threes and scored 14 points, Brunson made 4 of 5 threes and Bridges, Eric Paschall and Donte DiVincenzo each made three.

Marcus Foster led the Bluejays with 20 points.

The Wildcats are just waiting for March at this point of the season, and are cruising toward their fifth consecutive regular-season Big East title and yet another No. 1 or 2 seed in the NCAA Tournament.

Collin Gillespie’s emergence can only strengthen the Wildcats down the stretch.

Gillespie, who had 8 points and 5 assists, missed 7 games over 5 weeks this season with a broken left hand and played his fifth game since his return. Gillespie, a 6-2 freshman guard, has gone from role player to key cog with Phil Booth out indefinitely with a broken bone in his right hand. Gillespie played perhaps his best all-around game of the season and helped the Wildcats build an 18-point lead in the first half.

Gillespie had two assists early during a 7-0 run. He buried a three-pointer, then took a charge from Marcus Foster on the other end that got the Wildcats rolling. He had an assist on Brunson’s four-point play during a 22-4 run that gave the Wildcats their biggest lead of the half.

Only injuries could slow the Wildcats. Gillespie and Booth have been hurt and forward Jermaine Samuels remains sidelined with a broken left hand. Bridges came up limping on his left ankle early in the second half and took a quick seat on the bench. The Wildcats used only seven players in the first half and depth issues, coupled with any more injuries, could crush their bid for a second national title in three seasons.

TEMPLE 81,

NO. 16 WICHITA STATE 79, OT

PHILADELPHIA — Obi Enechionyia hit two free throws with 18.1 seconds left in overtime, and Temple beat No. 16 Wichita State.

Quinton Rose scored 19 points for the Owls (12-10, 4-6 American Athletic Conference), and Josh Brown had 15. Shizz Alston Jr. shook off a poor shooting performance to score 12 points, including the tying bucket at the end of regulation.

Enechioinyia was fouled after grabbing an offensive rebound. Markis McDuffie then missed a three at the other end, and the rebound caromed into the backcourt as time expired and Temple fans stormed the floor.

The Owls earned another big victory alongside upsets of Clemson and Auburn early in the season.

Shaquille Morris had 24 points and nine rebounds and Austin Reaves added 20 points for the Shockers (17-5, 7-3), who have dropped three of five.