Despite a valiant effort from La Salle, Villanova pulled out its 17th consecutive Big Five victory, holding on to beat the Explorers 89-79 and stay unbeaten. PG Jalen Brunson scored a career high 26 on ten of 17 shooting, carrying a Wildcat team that faced its biggest Big Five test in some time. Josh Hart added 21 points, and Kris Jenkins scored 12 despite only 4-13 shooting from the field.
The Wildcats nursed a four point lead into the second half and struggled a bit out of the gate. Hart started the half 1-5 from the field and La Salle cut it to two at one point before Villanova opened up a double digit lead midway through the half.