VILLANOVA, Pa. — Jasmine Bascoe scored a game-high 14 points, and Villanova used a strong second quarter and a pivotal third-quarter run to pull away from FDU for a 68-45 exhibition victory Sunday afternoon at Finneran Pavilion.
 
The Wildcats overcame a slow start before taking control with a decisive finish to the first half. After trailing 13-10 at the end of the opening quarter, Villanova opened the second period with a 9-4 run to take a 19-17 lead. The Wildcats then closed the half with a 13-4 spurt to carry a 32-21 advantage into the break.
 
FDU made a push in the third quarter, pulling within 36-28 with 6:50 remaining in the period. Villanova responded with six consecutive points to regain command, extending its lead to 42-28. Jasmine Bascoe, Dani Ceseretti and EJ Bender each contributed a basket during the run.
 
The Wildcats continued to build their advantage in the fourth quarter, leading by as many as 25 points on their way to the 23-point victory.
 
Bascoe paced Villanova's balanced effort with 14 points, while Kennedy Henry contributed five points, seven rebounds, five blocks and two assists. Henry's defensive presence helped the Wildcats protect their lead as the game progressed.
Rebecca Osei-Owusu led FDU with nine points and seven rebounds, but the Knights struggled to find their shooting touch from beyond the arc, connecting on just 1 of 16 three-point attempts.
 
Villanova's ability to turn a narrow deficit into a double-digit halftime lead proved to be the difference, as the Wildcats steadily pulled away after the break to finish their exhibition outing with a convincing win.