Villanova opens NCAA season with win over Boston College

On the opening night of the 2020-21 NCAA basketball season, the third-ranked Villanova Wildcats defeated Boston College 74-67 on Wednesday evening in the opening round of the Empire Classic in Uncasville, Connecticut.

For Villanova, Jeremiah Robinson-Earl was the key performer. He had 14 of his 18 points in the second half.

As a result, the Wildcats erased a nine-point deficit en route to victory.

Villanova coach Jay Wright was impressed with Robinson-Earl’s performance.

“We’re definitely a different team when Jerimiah’s on the floor,” Wright told reporters.

For Boston College, Jay Heath had a team-best 16 points.

Villanova’s other key performers

In addition to Robinson-Earl, the Wildcats received strong offensive efforts from Collin Gillespie (15 points) and Caleb Daniel and Justin Moore (14 apiece).

Wright’s squad was the highest-ranked team in action on the opening night of the season.