Top-ranked Villanova used hot shooting in the second half to fend off an upset bid from visiting Butler, 77-67, Saturday afternoon at The Pavilion in Philadelphia. Kelan Martin led the Bulldogs with 19 points. Villanova improves to 24-3 overall and 13-1 in BIG EAST play with the win.
An Andrew Chrabascz basket gave Butler a 45-43 lead with 11 minutes remaining. Villanova responded with a 16-6 run that gave the home team a 59-51 advantage four minutes later. At one point in the second half, Villanova made eight of 10 shots to take a double-digit lead.