COL BKB: Connecticut 61, Villanova 59

STORRS, Conn., Jan. 17 (UPI) -- Kemba Walker hit a floater in the lane with 2.5 seconds remaining Monday and No. 8 Connecticut eked out a 61-59 victory over No. 7 Villanova.

Walker, the nation's leading scorer, got the ball at the top of the key, took Corey Stokes off the dribble and deposited a floating shot over Mouphtaou Yarou to provide the winning margin for the Huskies (15-2, 4-2 Big East).

Walker finished with 24 points, Alex Oriakhi added 14 and 12 rebounds, and Jeremy Lamb chipped in 14 points with eight rebounds as UConn won its fourth straight.

Corey Fisher pumped in 28 points, including the Wildcats' final 12. He sank two free throws that tied it 59-59 with 22 seconds left.

Yarou ended with eight points and 10 rebound for Villanova (16-2, 4-1), which absorbed its first conference loss.