
Darrun Hilliard scored 19 points to lead four Villanova scorers in double figures, as the Wildcats topped Xavier 77-70 to take home their first outright Big East regular season title in 32 years.
Xavier jumped out to an early lead in a packed Cintas Center, but Villanova would battle back, taking their first lead midway through the first half before heading to the locker room up 41-36.
Xavier jumped out to an early lead in a packed Cintas Center, but Villanova would battle back, taking their first lead midway through the first half before heading to the locker room up 41-36.
The Wildcats would maintain their lead throughout the second half, as they beat a solid Xavier squad to win the Big East regular season title and clinch the top seed in the conference tournament.
Hilliard led all Villanova scorers with 19 points, while JayVaughn Pinkston added 15 for the Wildcats. James Bell scored 12 points while grabbing 8 rebounds and Ryan Arcidiacono pitched in 11 points while also dishing out 7 assists in the win.
Xavier, who was without center Matt Stainbrook, was led in the loss by Justin Martin, who finished with 20 points in the loss.
Villanova, now 27-3, will next face Georgetown at home, as they close out the regular season Saturday.
By: Kyle Babcock
Follow us on Twitter: @BroadStBeat
Hilliard led all Villanova scorers with 19 points, while JayVaughn Pinkston added 15 for the Wildcats. James Bell scored 12 points while grabbing 8 rebounds and Ryan Arcidiacono pitched in 11 points while also dishing out 7 assists in the win.
Xavier, who was without center Matt Stainbrook, was led in the loss by Justin Martin, who finished with 20 points in the loss.
Villanova, now 27-3, will next face Georgetown at home, as they close out the regular season Saturday.
By: Kyle Babcock
Follow us on Twitter: @BroadStBeat