NEW YORK –– Villanova’s Mikal Bridges had a career-high 28 points and 6 rebounds as the No. 4 Wildcats notched their best win of the season, 88-72 over No. 12 Gonzaga, in the Jimmy V Classic at Madison Square Garden.
Two of those points came off this monster dunk over Gonzaga big man Jacob Larsen.
“Just being aggressive,” Bridges said of the dunk. “Offensively, I just saw a lane and try to go up and be strong. Ever since my freshman I lay the ball up a lot and my coaches get on me for that. So I’m just trying to make a play.”
Mikal Bridges is out here killing people #NovaNation pic.twitter.com/D4IpxJDsp3
— Terrence Payne (@terrence_payne) December 6, 2017
Projected as the No. 12 pick to the Charlotte Hornets by ESPN.com, Bridges put on a show in front of a number of NBA scouts.
“He knows it’s his turn, and he’s ready for it,” Villanova coach Jay Wright said.
Asked if he’s aware of the NBA personnel in the building, Bridges said, “Not at all. When I’m out there I just play for my teammates and coaches, that’s it. We don’t care who’s out in the crowd. We play for each other.”
Phil Booth added 20 points and Jalen Brunson had 12 points and 3 assists for Villanova (9-0).
Wright said he thinks Bridges could turn into a National Player of the Year candidate the way Josh Hart was last season before getting drafted at No. 30 by the Lakers.
“I’d really like for that to happen for Mikal,” he said, “that’d be nice.”
Photo: Newsday
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