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Final Score: Providence 81 - Villanova 92

Philadelphia, PA (Sports Network) - Scottie Reynolds and Corey Fisher both scored 22 points, as fourth-ranked Villanova needed a late surge to pull away and defeat Providence, 92-81, at Wachovia Center.

Antonio Pena posted a double-double with 15 points and 12 rebounds for the Wildcats (22-2, 11-1 Big East), who have won their last two games since last Saturday's loss at Georgetown.

Vincent Council finished with 21 points, six assists, five rebounds and three steals for Providence (12-13, 4-9), which has lost five straight. Jamine Peterson scored 19 points and pulled down nine boards, while Sharaud Curry also logged 19 for the Friars.

A 9-0 Providence run bridged the two frames and gave the visitors a 42-40 lead. Peterson capped the burst with a pair of free throws.

The Friars took a 49-46 lead on a Curry three-pointer, but Reynolds quickly countered with a shot from beyond the arc. After Providence's Brian McKenzie hit a layup to tie the game at 53, Corey Stokes made 1-of-2 at the foul line to put the Wildcats in front for good with about 13 minutes remaining.

Villanova slowly extended its advantage to double-digits with a 20-9 burst. Pena's two free throws stretched the margin to 73-62 with just under six minutes to play, and the Wildcats cruised to the final horn.

The home team raced out to a 11-3 lead in the game's first four minutes, but a Marshon Brooks three-pointer gave Providence a 23-20 lead midway through the first half. Villanova battled back to seize a nine-point lead and led, 40-35, at the break.