PROVIDENCE, R.I. (Interstat) — Devin Askew scored 20 points to guide Villanova to an 88-82 road victory over Providence in a Big East Conference men’s basketball game Tuesday night at Dunkin’ Center.

The Wildcats built a 12-point halftime lead and held off a fierce second-half rally from the Friars. Providence’s Jamier Jones scored 23 points and Jaylin Sellers added 24, but Villanova’s balanced attack proved decisive. Askew added seven assists, while Duke Brennan contributed 14 points for Villanova.

A crowd of 11,476 saw the Wildcats improve to 14-3 overall. Providence fell to 8-9. Villanova was a 2 1/2-point favorite, and the total score went over the projected point line.