Box Score Overview
 
Villanova got double-doubles from Duke Brennan (21 points, 12 rebounds) and Tyler Perkins (17 points and 11 boards) to down Creighton (13-13 overall, 7-8 BIG EAST) Saturday afternoon in Omaha.
 
The win is the sixth in seven conference road games and marked their 20^th victory of 2025-26.
 
The Wildcats established control midway through the first half by virtue of a 16-3 surge. They never trailed again, though the Bluejays cut the lead to seven early in the second half after a strong start to the period.
 
Sophomore Malachi Palmer added 10 key points off the bench as Villanova evened the season series at one after dropping a 76-72 decision on Jan. 7 at Finneran Pavilion.
 
D Delivered Early
 
The opening minutes were characterized by strong defense at both ends of the floor. The two teams were a combined 3-of-14 from the field in the first 4:12 of action at CHI Health Center. A Brennan driving layup and free throw gave the Wildcats a 5-2 advantage at that point in the contest.
 
Baskets from Acaden Lewis and Perkins gave Nova just enough offense to claim an 11-7 edge over the Bluejays after 7:46 of the contest. The Wildcats limited Creighton to 3-of-11 shooting in that span.
 
With sturdy defense as the anchor, Villanova reeled off a 16-3 burst capped by 3-pointers on consecutive possessions by Devin Askew. Creighton was 1-of-8 from the field in that stretch, and the Wildcats held a 25-10 with 7:17 to play in the first half.
 
"We were really solid," said Villanova head coach Kevin Willard of the defensive effort in the first half. "At our place we got caught in switches a couple of times and they took advantage of it. I thought we were really solid in guarding our man well."
 
Creighton responded by scoring the next five points, shaving the deficit to 25-15.
 
A beautiful delivery from Lewis resulted in a Brennan basket that pushed the advantage to 32-17 at the 3:09 mark of the first half.
 
Perk Power
 
Seven straight points from Tyler Perkins – including two near the goal after collecting an offensive rebound – help the Wildcats endure a surge from the Bluejays' Austin Swartz, who closed the half with a flourish.
 
"I think Perk had six points on tip backs," Willard stated.
 
With a stop on the final possession, Villanova took a 41-27 lead with it into the locker room at the break.
 
The Penn transfer led Nova with 11 points and eight boards. Brennan contributed nine first half points on 4-of-5 shooting from the field.
 
Villanova held the Bluejays to 11-of-32 shooting from the field (.344) in the period.
 
After Intermission
 
Creighton kicked its offense into gear in the opening minutes of the second half, converting 5-of-6 from the field, including a pair of 3-pointers, to cut the deficit in half at 47-40.
 
"Give them credit for getting the building involved," Willard stated. "They ran a couple of really good (plays) to get baskets at the rim."
 
A Perkins putback of his own missed 3-pointer allowed Nova to make it a 49-40 lead with 16:39 remaining in the second half.
 
"That was monstrous," said Willard. "They had cut the lead to seven. I think he's starting to settle into who he is as a player."
 
Palmer helped Villanova extend the lead to 59-45 midway through the period with a corner 3-poiner and a steal and score. However, the Bluejays scored the next five points and brought the sellout crowd of 16,479 into it with 9:31 on the clock. At that point Villanova led 59-50.
 
The Wildcats then made key plays and a handful of free throws late to preserve the 80-69 win.
 
What They Said
 
Brennan: "Tyler Perkins has been great for us, especially in the back half of the Big East season. Our wins are predicated on rebounding and Tyler has been amazing with that."