Brunson sparks top-ranked Villanova over DePaul

Villanova is No. 1, a familiar spot for Jalen Brunson.

After leading Stevenson High School to the 2015 Class 4A state championship, Brunson headed to Philadelphia to play his college basketball at Villanova.

The heady guard won a national title as a freshman, and Brunson has stepped up as the Wildcats' all-around leader as a junior this season.

Wearing uniform No. 1 for top-ranked Villanova (13-0), Brunson sparked a 103-85 victory over DePaul on Wednesday night at Wintrust Arena.

"Deep down, it means a lot," Brunson said of playing basketball back in Chicago. "I always love coming back here. But, honestly, when I get on the court with my brothers, no matter where we are, I want to play for my teammates and my coaches."

A preseason all-American, Brunson showed off his considerable skills in the Wildcats' lopsided win over DePaul (7-6).

In addition to being one of seven Villanova players to score in double figures with 16 points, Brunson stayed under control earlier in the game when the Blue Demons still were within striking distance.

Feeling some pressure after DePaul cut the lead to 33-25 with 5:10 left in the first half, Brunson hit a 3-pointer and set up an easy dunk by Eric Paschall to put the Wildcats in front 38-25.

In the second half, the 6-foot-2, 190-pounder drew a charge and added a steal to keep the Blue Demons at bay.

"He is the consummate Villanova guard," coach Jay Wright said of Brunson. "Probably more than any guard we've ever had, although (Toronto Raptors star) Kyle Lowry was the same way, he controls the tempo of the game.

"You can't speed him up, but if he wants to go fast, he can go fast. He's a tremendous weapon for us, and he's a great leader, too."

Brunson was more of a follower when he won his first NCAA championship as a freshman with the Wildcats. That role has changed.

"I've been in a lot of situations the last couple of years," he said. "I kind of understand what (Wright) wants me to relate to the team on the court. Just that experience, being able to play in games and be in situations, that definitely helps."

For the game, Villanova hit 38 of 70 shots (54 percent), and that did not help DePaul's upset aspirations.

"They shot the ball phenomenally well, and that's why they're ranked where they are," Demons coach Dave Leitao said. "If you're going to beat a team like that, you have to play your tail off."