Sports

No. 8 Villanova overcomes bad shooting start for 74-67 win over St. John's

Associated Press
Published | Updated

Villanova's Ryan Arcidiacono (15) passes around St. John's JaKarr Sampson (14) during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game Saturday, Jan. 11, 2014, in New York. (AP Photo/Jason DeCrow) (The Associated Press)

Villanova's JayVaughn Pinkston (22) goes to the basket against St. John's Orlando Sanchez, left, of the Dominican Republic, during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game Saturday, Jan. 11, 2014, in New York. (AP Photo/Jason DeCrow) (The Associated Press)

JayVaughn Pinkston had 15 points and 10 rebounds No. 8 Villanova overcame some early shooting woes to beat St. John's 74-67 on Saturday at Madison Square Garden.

The Wildcats (15-1, 4-0 Big East) came into the game having shot better than 50 percent from the field and 3-point range in their last three games. Against St. John's (9-6, 0-3) they struggled from both in the first half shooting 25.9 percent from the field (7 of 27) and 22.2 percent from 3 (2 of 9).

The game was close through the first 12 minutes of the second half with neither team having more than a three-point lead until Villanova went on a 10-1 run that gave it a 65-57 lead with 3:13 to go.

Josh Hart added 14 points for the Wildcats while Ryan Arcidiacono added 13.