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New York Knicks: 2018 NBA Draft targets who stepped up on Mar. 9

By Maxwell Ogden

ST LOUIS, MO - MARCH 09: Collin Sexton #2 of the Alabama Crimson Tide shoots the ball in the 81-63 win over the Auburn Tigers during the quarterfinals round of the 2018 SEC Basketball Tournament at Scottrade Center on March 9, 2018 in St Louis, Missouri. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
ST LOUIS, MO - MARCH 09: Collin Sexton #2 of the Alabama Crimson Tide shoots the ball in the 81-63 win over the Auburn Tigers during the quarterfinals round of the 2018 SEC Basketball Tournament at Scottrade Center on March 9, 2018 in St Louis, Missouri. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /
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NEWARK, NJ – FEBRUARY 28: Mikal Bridges #25 of the Villanova Wildcats reacts to a call against Seton Hall Pirates in the first half on February 28, 2018 at Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
NEWARK, NJ – FEBRUARY 28: Mikal Bridges #25 of the Villanova Wildcats reacts to a call against Seton Hall Pirates in the first half on February 28, 2018 at Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /

For the second time in as many games, a Villanova Wildcats star took over in the second half and put a tough opponent away. After Jalen Brunson did so against the Marquette Golden Eagles on Thursday, it was Mikal Bridges who dominated the second half against the Butler Bulldogs on Friday.

With a stellar three-point shot, lockdown defense, and the timely contributions of a clutch maestro, Bridges led Villanova to a huge win over a rugged Butler team.

Bridges finished the 87-68 victory over the Bulldogs with 18 points, five rebounds, one assist, two steals, and one block in just 25 minutes of play. He shot 7-of-11 from the field and 4-of-8 from beyond the three-point line in what was close enough to a superstar-caliber performance.

Bridges was somewhat quiet in the first half, but erupted for 11 second-half points to help Villanova clinch its berth in the Big East Tournament final.

As has been written ad nauseam on Daily Knicks, Bridges should be the No. 1 prospect for the New York Knicks. He’s a lights-out three-point shooter who can defend multiple positions and create for his teammates when tasked with doing so.

Some have compared Bridges to San Antonio Spurs superstar Kawhi Leonard, and while I won’t yet cosign that comparison, I certainly won’t oppose it.

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