COL BKB: Louisville 68, Villanova 54

LOUISVILLE, Ky., March 2 (UPI) -- Eighteenth-ranked Louisville used a balanced attack led by Juan Palacios' 13 points Sunday to defeat cold-shooting Villanova 68-54.

Jerry Smith contributed 10 points and 10 rebounds for the Cardinals (24-6, 14-3 Big East), who have won nine straight contests.

Malcolm Grant scored 11 points for the Wildcats (17-11, 7-9 Big East), who hit just 40 percent of their field goal attempts.

Louisville and Georgetown, tied atop the Big East standings, will clash Saturday in Washington.