Second-ranked Villanova hopes to avoid another nail-biting ending when it meets last-place DePaul on Monday at Allstate Arena in Rosemont, Ill.
In a Big East season opener on Dec. 28, the then-No. 1 Wildcats saw a lead dwindle to just one point with 90 seconds to play before prevailing 68-65 thanks to two late Josh Hart free throws.
Villanova has since gone 11-2 and has won five straight following a 74-72 upset loss at Marquette on Jan. 24.
The Wildcats beat No. 24 Xavier 73-57 on Saturday for head coach Jay Wright's 500th career win as sophomore Jalen Brunson and redshirt freshman Donte DiVincenzo each scored 17 points.