The top-ranked Villanova Wildcats struggled at times but were able to squeak past depleted St. John's 78-71 on Saturday night at Madison Square Garden.
The Wildcats (16-1, 4-1 in the Big East) have a similar challenge awaiting them against a team they are expected to beat when they travel down I-95 to face Georgetown on Wednesday night at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C.
"That was one of those ugly road victories you just have to take, go back and watch the film, and learn from it," Villanova coach Jay Wright said after the Wildcats overcame a stellar 37-point performance by St.