Quick recap: No. 1 Kansas falls at No. 18 Villanova

photo by: Associated Press

Villanova's Collin Gillespie (2) shotos over Kansas' Ochai Agbaji (30) during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game, Saturday, Dec. 21, 2019, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)

Down goes another No. 1 team.

This time, No. 1 Kansas was unable to hang on in a 56-55 loss to No. 18 Villanova Saturday afternoon at Wells Fargo Center. The Jayhawks led by as many as 4 points with 1:49 remaining, but faltered down the stretch.

Kansas (9-2) still had a chance after forcing a late turnover, but Devon Dotson’s floater at the buzzer misfired on the final possession. The Jayhawks became the fifth No. 1 team in the nation to go down this season.

For a moment, though, KU appeared poised to walk away with a win in its first true road test of the season.

With the game tied at 51-51, Kansas forced a much-needed shot clock violation. It ended with a block by Udoka Azubuike as the play clock expired. On the other end, sophomores Devon Dotson and Ochai Agbaji linked up for a backdoor play to give the Jayhawks a 53-51 advantage.

One possession later, KU stretched its lead with a tough basket in traffic by freshman Christian Braun. The Wildcats eventually drilled a go-ahead 3-pointer with 17 seconds remaining, though the Jayhawks forced a key turnover late to make the game come down to the wire.

Villanova (9-2) now leads the all-time series, 5-4, against Kansas.

Here’s a quick look back at some of the action:

• Offensive highlight: Villanova appeared to be creating some distance early in the second half, but a dunk by the Jayhawks got them back in the game.

Dotson drove hard to the rim, and fired a quick pass to Ochai Agbaji. The sophomore wing finished off the sequence with the slam, pulling Kansas within a basket. The Jayhawks eventually evened the score and traded punches with the Wildcats down the stretch.