Villanova got a much-needed win over NJIT Friday night. It was a balanced effort, with the ‘Cats getting contributions from up and down the roster. Let’s hand out some player grades for the performance.
Enoch Boakye B
Boakye bounced back after a quiet game against Columbia. He scored 12 points on 4-4 shooting, adding four rebounds. He was also 4-5 from the foul line, and after shooting 30.4%, 33.3% and 49.2% from the in each of his first three collegiate seasons, he’s hit eight of his first 10 attempts in a Villanova uniform.
Eric Dixon A
It was another effective and efficient night for Dixon. The big man finished with a double-double of 22 points and 10 rebounds, shooting 8-11 overall, 1-2 from three and 5-5 from the line. He added two assists and a steal and did it all in just 26 minutes.
Jhamir Brickus B
Brickus didn’t light up the stat sheet, finishing with nine points and three assists. But his steady play at the point guard position and good decision making continue to be invaluable to the Wildcats.
Wooga Poplar A
Poplar had an excellent all-around game, posting 12 points (5-10 FG, 2-4 3PTFG), five rebounds, four assists, a steal and a block. After being plagued a bit by turnovers in his first two games in a ‘Nova uniform, Poplar had just one turnover Friday night. His activity on defense continued to be a plus for Villanova as well.
Jordan Longino B-
Longino hasn’t found his shooting stroke yet, but he greatly reduced his volume Friday. After shooting 14 and 13 shots in Villanova’s first two games, he attempted just five shots against NJIT, hitting 2-5 overall and 1-3 from three and adding two free throws for seven points. He continued to contribute in other ways, with three rebounds, three assists and a steal while not committing a turnover.
Tyler Perkins B+
Perkins was an efficient 4-7, all from beyond the arc, for 12 points on Friday night. After running into some turnover issues on Wednesday, Perkins did not have a turnover against NJIT.
Nnanna Njoku B
Njoku didn’t necessarily light up the stat sheet, but he played an impactful 14 minutes against NJIT. He had two points, six rebounds, two assists and two blocks, and despite playing the fewest minutes any Wildcat (besides walk-on Collin O’Toole, who played the final 2:21), Njoku was a team-high +27.
Josiah Moseley A
Moseley did a bit of everything Friday night, scoring four points to go with four rebounds, two blocks and an assist. He continued to be impactful at the defensive end. His ‘Nova career is off to a solid start, and the possibilities of what he can grow into are tantalizing.
Kris Parker A
Parker had far and away his best performance as a Wildcat, scoring 11 points, grabbing to rebounds and handing out an assist. He shot 4-7 overall and 2-4 from three. He also handled a bit of ballhandling duty, and it was an encouraging showing from the young guard.
