NEW YORK (AP) With its chances of a third straight Big East Conference Tournament title on the line, the players who carried No. 25 Villanova most of the season stepped up and took control.

Eric Paschall had 20 points and 10 rebounds, Collin Gillespie hit two 3-pointers in a game-deciding 17-5 run and point guard Phil Booth was a steadying influence as the top-seeded Wildcats beat Providence 73-62 in the quarterfinals on Thursday.

"Coach tells us we have to lead by example, talk to our younger guys and just do all the little things - playing defense, rebounding, not worrying about if our shot's going in," Paschall said. "I just feel like our whole team has been doing that. Our whole team's had a great attitude, and we're taking a step in the right direction."