VILLANOVA, Pa., Dec. 11 (UPI) -- Dante Cunningham came up with a steal and two free throws in the final 4 seconds Thursday, lifting No. 12 Villanova past rival Saint Joseph's 59-56.
Villanova (9-1) bounced back from its first loss of the season -- a nine-point setback to Texas Tuesday -- and avoided what would have been a substantial upset.
The Wildcats took the lead with 4.8 seconds remaining when Scottie Reynolds made two free throws.
Saint Joseph's then botched the inbounds pass and Cunningham came away with a steal. He was quickly fouled and his two free throws provided the final points of the game.
Ahmad Nivins then missed a long jumper in an attempt to tie the game just before the buzzer.
Villanova improved to 9-1, with Cunningham scoring 14 points and Dwayne Anderson adding 11.
The Hawks (4-5) were led by Darrin Govens with 18 and Nivins with 16.
