In a battle between first and second, first won.
League-leading Villanova improved to 11-2 in BIG EAST play and 24-2 overall with a 73-57 win at Xavier Saturday afternoon. Jalen Brunson and Donte DiVincenzo led five players in double figures with 17 points apiece. Villanova played without forward Darryl Reynolds due to a rib injury. Xavier’s Trevon Bluiett injured an ankle and did not score in 19 minutes. RaShid Gaston posted 23 points and 10 rebounds for the Musketeers, who are 18-7 overall and 8-4 in the BIG EAST.
Creighton moved into a second-place tie at 8-4 with Xavier after winning 93-58 at DePaul.