Defending NCAA champ Villanova holds off Saint Mary's

PAT EATON-ROBB (AP Sports Writer) The Associated Press

Villanova got off to a slow start in defense of its NCAA championship against a determined, defensive-minded Saint Mary's team that came in confident after a season-defining win. Phil Booth scored 20 points, fellow senior Eric Paschell added 14 and Villanova held off 11th-seeded Saint Mary's 61-57 on Thursday night. ''We're growing, our young guys are growing, but we have two seniors who do everything for us, on and off the court,'' coach Jay Wright said.