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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Top 25 capsules: No. 1 Villanova tops Seton Hall on big Philly sports day

Villanova forward Eric Paschall, right, takes a shot over Seton Hall forward Sandro Mamukelashvili on Sunday in Philadelphia. (Laurence Kesterson / Associated Press)
Associated Press

PHILADELPHIA – Omari Spellman had 26 points and 11 rebounds, helping No. 1 Villanova kick off a rousing day in Philadelphia sports with a 92-76 win over Seton Hall on Sunday.

The Wildcats (22-1, 9-1 Big East) won their ninth straight game in front of a crowd dotted with green jerseys and chanting for the Eagles just hours before the Super Bowl.

Mikal Bridges, who scored 17 points, hit a 3 with 2:22 left for a 21-point lead that seemed to serve as the cue for fans to turn their full attention toward the Super Bowl, chanting “We Want Brady!”

For about 25 minutes, the Pirates (17-6, 6-4) gave the Wildcats a serious scare.

No. 17 Ohio State 75, Illinois 67

COLUMBUS, Ohio – Keita Bates-Diop scored a career-high 35 points and had 13 rebounds for No. 17 Ohio State.

The Buckeyes (20-5, 11-1 Big Ten) played without suspended guard Kam Williams. Jae’Sean Tate added 11 points.

Mark Alstork paced Illinois (12-12, 2-9) with 19 points.