COL BKB: Villanova 70, South Fla. 61

TAMPA, Fla., Jan. 24 (UPI) -- Dante Cunningham's 14 points and eight rebounds Saturday helped No. 21 Villanova record a tougher-than-expected 70-61 Big East win over South Florida.

USF, a big underdog, battled to a 32-32 halftime tie and, after falling behind 39-32, came back to grab a 48-47 advantage on Dominique Jones' free throw with 9:31 left in the contest.

Down the stretch, Villanova outscored USF by a 23-13 margin.

Reggie Redding scored 11 with six rebounds, and Corey Stokes and Corey Fisher scored 10 points apiece. Dwayne Anderson added seven points and 11 rebounds for the Wildcats (15-4, 3-3), who have won twice in their last three games.

Augustus Gilchrist led South Florida with 18 points and seven rebounds.

Chris Howard had 15 points and four assists, Jesus Verdejo scored 13 with five rebounds and three assists, and Dominique Jones had 11 points with four steals for the Bulls (7-12, 2-5), who have lost three of four.