PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) — Ryan Arcidiacono scored 20 points, Daniel Ocehfu had 19, and No. 6 Villanova held off upset-minded Providence 74-68 on Wednesday night.
Darrun Hilliard added 16 points to help Villanova (22-2, 9-2 Big East) win its fifth straight.
LaDonte Henton and Tyler Harris scored 23 points apiece to lead Providence (17-8, 7-4).
Neither team led by more than six points in a defensive-minded first half.
Villanova led 29-26 at halftime and broke open a close game in the second half as Josh Hart scored all of his 10 points after the break.
