St. John's vs. Villanova 2016 final score: Wildcats break past Red Storm

The Villanova Wildcats survived their first week as the No. 1 team in the country despite a raucous effort by the St. John's Red Storm.

The Red Storm pushed the Wildcats to the limit in the first half, entering the break with just a one-point deficit. As they often do though, Villanova eventually would push through and break away from the pack. In the end, 'Nova proved to be victorious, netting a win by the score of 73-63.

Daniel Ochefu showed up big for the 'Cats on Saturday night in Philadelphia. Playing in his second game after being on the shelf following a concussion, Ochefu scored 25 points on 11-of-14 shooting whilst grabbing nine rebounds, falling just shy of a double-double. Villanova's big man also picked up three steals and a block to boot and was 3-of-5 from the free throw line.

Joining Daniel Ochefu in double figures was guard Ryan Arcidiacono. Arch scored 13 points Saturday night with a 4-of-9 mark from the field, 3-of-5 from the 3-point line and 2-of-2 from the free throw line. Freshman guard Jalen Brunson chipped in eight, while fellow guards Mikal Bridges and Josh Hart added seven points.

The Johnnies were led by the efforts of Amar Alibegovic. The St. John's forward scored 18 points in the losing effort with a 7-of-15 mark from the field. Alibegovic added six boards, four defensive, four assists and a steal. Three others joined Alibegovic in double figures, as Ron Mvouika, Durand Johnson and Malik Ellison scored 10, 10 and 11 points respectively.

We'll be back with three things we learned.