VILLANOVA, Pa., Feb. 21 (UPI) -- Rick Jackson scored four of his 18 points down the stretch Monday and No. 20 Syracuse held off No. 14 Villanova 69-64 in a Big East battle.
Jackson's jumper with 2:18 remaining gave the Orange a three-point lead at 63-60, and his clutch free throws with five seconds remaining iced the victory for Syracuse (23-6, 10-6 Big East), which avenged last month's loss to Villanova.
Scoop Jardine led the Orange with 20 points and six assists and Brandon Triche chipped in with 11 points, including a key layup with 59 seconds to go to keep Syracuse out in front.
Corey Stokes returned from a turf toe injury to pump in 24 points for the Wildcats (21-7, 9-6), who also got 12 points and 10 rebounds from Isaiah Armwood in the loss.
