Brunson leads Villanova in rout of Temple
PHILADELPHIA — Jalen Brunson helped Villanova continue its remarkable reign of Philadelphia.
Brunson had 22 of his career-high 31 points in No. 1 Villanova’s dominating first half and Omari Spellman scored 27 to help lead the Wildcats to an 87-67 rout of Temple on Wednesday night.
“He was incredible,” Villanova coach Jay Wright said of Brunson.
Donte Divincenzo added 12 points for Villanova (11-0), which won its unprecedented 22nd straight Big 5 game.
The Wildcats, who moved into the top spot in the rankings for the third straight season this week, looked like the best team in the country in a dominating opening 20 minutes.
With his dad Rick - a former Temple standout and current assistant coach of the Minnesota Timberwolves who played nine seasons in the NBA - sitting two rows behind the Villanova bench, Brunson led the way.
The 6-foot-2 junior point guard made 8 of 10 shots, including 5 of 7 3-pointers, and added four assists while controlling the opening 20 minutes.
“I try to keep the same mindset, try to set the tone defensively and play my game, be aggressive, try to be a killer,” Brunson said. “Today was one of those nights.”
Brunson didn’t know his dad was making the trip. Rick Brunson coached the host Timberwolves against the 76ers on Tuesday night and will fly home early Thursday morning for that night’s game against the Kings. He’s glad he squeezed in the trip to see his son.
“I thought he came out and set a tone and the rest of the team followed,” Rick Brunson said. “As long as you compete, play hard and get a win, I’m happy.”