PHILADELPHIA (Interstat) — A dominant first-quarter defensive performance set the tone as the Villanova Wildcats defeated the La Salle Explorers 66-54 in a non-conference women’s basketball game Tuesday night at Tom Gola Arena.

Villanova established control immediately, holding La Salle to just six points in the opening period while building an 18-6 lead. The Wildcats extended their advantage to 36-21 by halftime and maintained a comfortable margin throughout the second half to improve their record to 5-2. La Salle also moved to 5-2 with the loss.

Brynn McCurry led all scorers for Villanova, finishing with 18 points and five assists. She was complemented by Kennedy Henry, who added 11 points and a game-high four blocks, and Jasmine Bascoe, who contributed 16 points. The Wildcats’ offense, while not always efficient, capitalized heavily on La Salle’s mistakes, scoring 29 points off 23 Explorer turnovers.

La Salle was led by Ashleigh Connor’s 17 points and four assists. Kiara Williams provided a spark inside with 14 points, but the Explorers struggled to find their shooting touch from beyond the arc, making only 2 of 14 three-point attempts. The team also left points at the free-throw line, converting just 10 of 17 attempts.

Villanova’s defense was the story of the game, amassing 15 steals and forcing La Salle into an offensive rating of 71.9 points per 100 possessions. The Wildcats also won the battle on the glass, securing 12 offensive rebounds which led to 14 second-chance points.

Despite being outscored 32-26 in the paint, Villanova’s ability to generate turnovers and convert from the free-throw line, where they went 18 for 24, proved to be the difference. The Wildcats never trailed after the opening minutes in front of an announced crowd of 287.

Villanova returns to action on the road against West Virginia on Monday. La Salle’s next contest is at home against VCU on Wednesday, Dec. 3.