The Wildcats got the lead and early against Providence and never let it go, beating the Friars 65-59. They did not make it easy on themselves, with Providence going on a 15-0 run at one point late in the second half following a 20-point Villanova lead.
The first half was defined by the play of the veterans Eric Paschall and Phil Booth and Providence not being able to make their shots. In the second half, it was Villanova holding on for dear life.
Booth led the charge finishing the game with 23 points on 7-16 shooting.