VILLANOVA SUFFERS 70-61 SETBACK AT PRINCETON

Princeton wins its first Ivy League game of the season

Villanova drops to 2-3 in the Big East

Villanova lost 70-61 to Princeton Saturday afternoon at Jadwin Gymnasium in Princeton, N.J. The loss dropped Villanova to 2-3 in the Big East and 9-4 overall. Princeton improved to 1-4 in the Ivy League and 6-7 overall.

Amir Bell led Villanova with 15 points, while Justin Moore added 14 points.

Princeton's Tosan Evbuomwan​ led all scorers with 18 points.

Princeton led for most of the afternoon thanks in large part to a 42-25 advantage in rebounding. The Tigers had 17 offensive rebounds, which they converted into 20 second-chance points.

Villanova shot just 34% from the field and 28% from three-point range. Princeton shot 40% from the field and 36% from three-point range.

Princeton led by six at halftime and extended its lead to 12 early in the second half. Villanova did not get closer than eight points the rest of the way. The Wildcats cut Princeton's lead to 63-55 with 3:34 left, but couldn't get any closer.

The loss is Villanova's first to Princeton since 2016 and just its second to the Tigers since 1989. Princeton is now 6-14 all-time against Villanova. The loss ended a four-game winning streak for Villanova.

Princeton, meanwhile, snapped a four-game losing streak. The Tigers, who are now 1-4 in the Ivy League, have three conference games remaining before the start of the Ivy League Tournament.

Villanova will be back in action Monday night at home against Georgetown. The Wildcats will then have a week off before traveling to Providence to face the Friars on January 22.