Corey Stokes Sets Career High in Win Against Quakers

Villanova defeated UPenn 65-53 behind Corey Stokes 34 points, a career high for the Villanova G/F. Stokes also became the 53rd Villanovan to record 1000 points in his career. Antonio Pena added another solid effort, scoring 16 points and grabbing 8 rebounds. The Villanova offense shot 48.9% from the field, but played sloppily, giving away 16 turnovers.

Villanova recorded its eighth straight win against UPenn, but the Quakers played tough against the heavily favored Wildcats. Junior guard Zack Rosen led UPenn 20 points, while Jack Eggleston added 12 points. The Quakers were simply beat on the boards, as they had no answer for the Villanova frontcourt height.

Senior Corey Fisher started the game on the bench, as Jay Wright sat him on a teaching point. This is isn't the first instance where Fisher has been disciplined by Jay Wright, as both Fisher and Scottie Reynolds were benched to start the first round of the NCAA tournament against Robert Morris last season. Fisher had just four points in 37 minutes, but added 6 rebounds, 6 assists, and 5 steals.

Villanova has won its first two games against the Big 5 so far this season, and will take on its third opponent, La Salle, on Sunday. UPenn travels to Delaware to take on the Blue Hens on 12/22.

Player of the Game: Corey Stokes: 34 points (11-15) and 4 rebounds