VILLANOVA, Pa. (AP) — JayVaughn Pinkston had 28 points and 14 rebounds to help Villanova rally from a 19-point deficit and stun Providence 74-72 on Tuesday night.
Pinkston scored the last nine points for the Wildcats (11-13, 4-8 Big East) for their wildest victory of the season. Pinkston simply dominated down the stretch, tying the game at 72-all with a big dunk off a turnover, then powered down the lane for the winning layup with 27 seconds left.
Villanova entered 14th in the Big East standings and Providence 15th. This has had the makings of a classic between two conference heavyweights.
Dominic Cheek hit four clutch 3-pointers and scored 17 points for the Wildcats. Mouphtaou Yarou had 17 points and eight rebounds.
Bryce Cotton scored 20 points for Providence (13-12, 2-10). The Friars blew a 60-41 lead early in the second half.
