COL BKB: Villanova 89, Syracuse 86

SYRACUSE, N.Y., Feb. 22 (UPI) -- Six Wildcats scored in double figures Sunday and 14th-ranked Villanova held on for an 89-86 Big East win over Syracuse.

Three free throws in a 30-second span by Reggie Redding gave Villanova an insurmountable 89-86 lead with 16 seconds left, and both Eric Devendorf and Jonny Flynn missed 3-point attempts in the closing seconds.

Dwayne Anderson led Villanova with a season-high 22 points. Corey Fisher scored 16, while Shane Clark added 15 and Dante Cunningham had 12 with 12 rebounds and six assists. Redding scored 11 and Scottie Reynolds added 10 points for the Wildcats (22-5, 10-4), who kept alive their chances of earning a double-bye in the Big East Tournament with the eighth win on their last nine games.

Devendorf led Syracuse with 22 points and six assists. Paul Harris scored 21 with six rebounds and three steals. Andy Rautins scored 18 by sinking six 3-pointers, and Flynn added 12 points and eight assists for the Orange (19-8, 7-7), who have lost seven of 10.