COL BKB: Connecticut 89, Villanova 83

HARTFORD, Conn., Jan. 21 (UPI) -- A 29-point effort from A.J. Price Wednesday allowed third-ranked Connecticut to fight off an upset bid and down No. 21 Villanova 89-83.

The Wildcats closed to within three points with 30 seconds remaining on a three-pointer by Scottie Reynolds, but Kemba Walker and Jerome Dyson combined to make three foul shots over the next 13 seconds to expand the Huskies' lead to six.

Price established a career high with his 29 points, hitting 10-of-13 from the floor. He made four three-point shots and was backed up by 19 points from Jerome Dyson.

Connecticut (17-1, 6-1 Big East) won its sixth straight and has captured nine of its last 10.

Villanova (14-4, 2-3) was led by Dwayne Anderson with 15 points and Reynolds with 14.