COL BKB: Villanova 60, Marquette 56

VILLANOVA, Pa., Feb. 23 (UPI) -- Darrun Hilliard fired in 22 points Saturday and Villanova burnished its credentials for an NCAA Tournament berth with a 60-56 win over No. 20 Marquette.

Hillard scored 14 of his points in the second half for the Wildcats (18-10, 9-6 Big East), who bumped off their third ranked opponent in February following earlier triumphs over Louisville and Syracuse.

JayVaughn Pinkston and Ryan Arcidiacono each added 11 points as Villanova won its fifth in six games overall.

Marquette (19-7, 10-4) got only seven points from leading scorer Vander Blue.

Junior Cadoguan managed 12 points for the Golden Eagles, who fell one game behind Big East leader Georgetown.