VILLANOVA, Pa. -- After winning its first four games by 15 points or more, Villanova had to eek one out late in Friday's game against Delaware.
To stay unbeaten, the Wildcats (4-0) defeated the Blue Hens, 84-80, at The Pavilion.
With less than three minutes to go, Delaware guard Davon Usher drained a three to tie the game at 76, but the Wildcats didn't lie down.
JayVaughn Pinkston scored on the next possession -- he finished with 26 points -- and Villanova ended the game on an 8-4 run in the final 2:30 to close out the victory over the upset-minded Blue Hens (2-3).
First half
The game started out frantically as both teams combined for 83 points in the first 20 minutes. Villanova went into the locker room with a 43-40 lead.
Delaware got into an offensive rhythm for much of the half, shooting 16 of 32 from the field. Still, thanks to Pinkston and James Bell though, Villanova maintained a three-point lead. Each had 12 points in the first half.
Inside the box score
Villanova finished the game with 22 second-chance points, compared to Delaware's seven, and the Wildcats also won the rebounding battle, 45-32.
Each team combined for just 10 points off the bench.
Series history
The Wildcats improved to 12-0 all-time against Delaware.
What’s next?
Villanova departs for the Bahamas to take part in the Battle 4 Atlantis tournament. The Wildcats will face USC on Nov. 28 in the first round of the tournament. Meanwhile, Delaware will head to Dover to take on Delaware State on Nov. 25.