Wildcat Rewind: Jalen Brunson’s 5 best games at Villanova

5. November 23, 2017 – vs. Tennessee

**Stats: 25 points, 6 assists, 4 rebounds, 8-for-14 FG, 9-for-9 FT** Just because it is out-of-conference does not mean it is counted any less. This was a big early-season win for a Villanova team that entered with National Championship aspirations. In the first half, it did not look that way as Tennessee built a 12-point lead. The Wildcats stormed back with 51 points in the second half to run away from the Volunteers. Brunson controlled the ball all game and was able to get to the free throw line, where he hit all nine attempts. A come-from-behind 85-76 win set the tone for the road ahead and Brunson led the way with 25 points.

4. February 18, 2017 – at Seton Hall

**Stats: 22 points, 10 assists, 4 rebounds, 7-for-7 FG, 2-for-2 3PT, 6-for-7 FT** Seton Hall had no shot in this one as Villanova finished 67.3% from the field. Brunson was at the center of this 92-70 win as he missed just one shot from any level and it came at the free throw line. He scored 22 points on just seven shots — all makes — including two three’s. This was Brunson’s only double-double of his Villanova career adding 10 assists.

3. December 31, 2016 – at Creighton

**Stats: 27 points, 5 assists, 4 rebounds, 10-for-14 FG, 5-for-7 3PT** The greatness of Brunson came out in big games. This early season Big East battle was as big as it got at the time as two 13-0 teams met in Omaha. Brunson made sure that the Wildcats stayed at the top of the conference by refusing to miss. He shot 71.4% from the field, knocked down five three’s, and led Villanova during a big second half after leading by one at halftime.

2. March 23, 2018 – Sweet 16 vs. West Virginia

**Stats: 27 points, 4 assists, 2 rebounds, 8-for-15 FG, 3-for-6 3PT, 8-for-9 FT** If there was a “scare” during the 2018 title run, this is probably the game by default. West Virginia played with Villanova for a majority, trailing by just two at halftime and leading in the second half. This left us with many memories from the game. The highlight might be the Omari Spellman dunk off a blocked shot on the other end but what cannot be forgotten is the clutch play of Brunson down the stretch. He led the Wildcats with 27 points and missed just one free throw. This 90-78 win is tied from the closest margin of victory from that tournament run.

1. March 10, 2018 – Big East Championship vs. Providence

**Stats: 31 points, 4 assists, 6 rebounds, 8-for-14 FG, 4-for-9 3PT** Aside from the 2016 National Championship, this might have been the best game that Brunson was a part of. Going in, you just knew that this game was going to be a tough one for Villanova — and Providence had the ball in the final seconds with a chance to win it. Kyron Cartwright missed and the game went to overtime, where Brunson and Mikal Bridges took over. The corner three late is a moment that will stick and the same can be said about the Bridges three from the top of the key. It ended 16-6 in overtime and Villanova stayed kings of the Big East. This was the fifth straight win for the Wildcats and they would not lose again.