Nicholls State @ Villanova preview

As the Big East's preseason player of the year, Jalen Brunson met expectations in Villanova's season debut. The junior guard will aim to continue his strong play in the second game for the sixth-ranked Wildcats, who host Nicholls on Tuesday.

Brunson was essentially a role player for Villanova the last two years as Josh Hart and Kris Jenkins handled the bulk of the scoring load. But after winning the NCAA Tournament as a freshman and enjoying a productive sophomore campaign, Brunson is now the focal point for the Wildcats' offense. He had 14 points in Friday's 15-point win over Columbia, while three of his teammates also registered double-digit points. Nicholls had no problem putting up points in its season debut, edging Texas-Rio Grande Valley 111-106 on Friday.

TV: 6:30 p.m. ET, Fox Sports 1

ABOUT NICHOLLS (1-0): The Colonels had not scored 111 points in a game since 1996 but had four players register at least 18 points in Friday's opener. Lafayette Rutledge attempted all 11 of his shots from 3-point range, knocking down seven en route to 23 points. Tevon Saddler chipped in 19 points, eight rebounds and six assists, while Roddy Peters also had 19 points for Nicholls.

ABOUT VILLANOVA (1-0): Omari Spellman, a hyped freshman who was ineligible last season, enjoyed a solid Villanova debut with 11 points and 11 rebounds in 23 minutes. Eric Paschall averaged 7.2 points last year and more than doubled that figure with 15 points in the 2017-18 opener. Donte DiVincenzo chipped in 13 points off the bench, although the other reserves combined to shoot 2-of-10.

TIP-INS

1. Brunson raised his scoring average from 9.6 points as a freshman to 14.7 as a sophomore and increased his shooting percentage from 45.2 to 54.1.

2. Villanova coach Jay Wright likely was not thrilled with his team's 14-of-22 effort from the foul line or its 7-of-32 mark from long range.

3. Two of Villanova's key returners, G Phil Booth and G/F Mikal Bridges, totaled 16 points on 5-of-17 shooting in the opener.

PREDICTION: Villanova 79, Nicholls 66