Villanova and St. John’s registered Saturday road wins. Xavier and Creighton play Sunday in the first game of the BIG EAST All-Access Doubleheader.
At a sold-out Dunkin’ Donuts Center, visiting Villanova carved out a 64-60 win against Providence. The Wildcats (16-3, 6-1), ranked ninth by AP this week, increased their winning streak to six games. After the Friars took a 49-48 lead with 8:46 to play, Villanova’s Collin Gillespie nailed a 3-pointer which put the Wildcats ahead to stay. Gillespie finished with 18 points. Jeremiah Robinson-Earl added 17 points. Nate Watson led Providence (11-10, 4-4) with 18 points and nine rebounds.