Villanova, PA (SportsNetwork.com) - James Bell posted 17 points and eight rebounds as No. 6 Villanova defeated DePaul, 88-62.

Daniel Ochefu had 14 points, six rebounds and four assists for the Wildcats (16-1, 5-0 Big East), who have won five straight since a loss to Syracuse on Dec. 28.

Brandon Young scored 13 points to lead the Blue Demons (10-9, 2-4), who had won two straight coming in.

The game was tight for much of the first half, but Bell hit a pair of free throws to kick off a 9-2 run for Villanova, which Ryan Arcidiacono capped on a jumper for a 25-18 lead with four minutes left.

Ochefu later hit a pair of baskets and, after Young put in a layup, Acridiacono closed the half with a jumper to give the Wildcats a 33-24 lead at the break.

DePaul got the first four points of the second half, but Ochefu's 3-point play started an 8-0 run for Villanova with Darrun Hilliard's free throw giving the team a 41-28 lead.

Villanova kept its lead at double digits the rest of the way, and a Bell 3- pointer and Josh Hart dunk with seven minutes left gave the team a 69-52 advantage.

The Wildcats continued to build their lead in the final minutes for the easy finish.