PHILADELPHIA (Interstat) — Villanova used a stifling first-half defensive effort to build a commanding lead and defeat city rival La Salle 66-54 in a women’s basketball game Tuesday at Tom Gola Arena.

The Wildcats held the Explorers to just six points in the first quarter and led 36-21 at halftime. La Salle, which never led, cut the deficit to single digits in the second half but could not complete the comeback.

Brynn McCurry led Villanova with 18 points and five assists. Jasmine Bascoe added 16 points for the Wildcats. Ashleigh Connor scored 17 points for La Salle.

Villanova forced 23 turnovers, converting them into 29 points, to improve to 5-2. La Salle also is now 5-2.