A key second-half spurt led No. 18 Villanova to an 80-72 win over Butler Tuesday night at Hinkle Fieldhouse in Indianapolis.

With 17:31 remaining in the game, Butler took a 44-43 lead. It was the Bulldogs' first lead since midway through the first half. Villanova immediately countered with a 12-0 run keyed by a trio of three-pointers by Colin Gillespie. That run gave Villanova a 55-44 lead with 14:05 to play. Butler would trim the margin to five minutes later but could never string enough possessions together to get over the hump.

"You have to give Villanova credit," said Butler coach LaVall Jordan. "When you see them coming, you know what kind of game it's going to be. We didn't play at our best, but had some good moments. We cut into the lead in the second half, but couldn't close out possessions with a rebound or a finish."

Eric Pascall (23) and Phil Booth (17) led five Wildcats in double figures. Villanova shot 49 percent for the game, including 12-of-26 from behind the arc.

Aaron Thompson paced the Bulldogs with 15 points and four assists. Sean McDermott had 14 points on four three-pointers to go along with a team-high seven rebounds.

Butler shot 48 percent and hit 11 three-pointers, but couldn't overcome the free throw line as Villanova attempted 18 free throws (making 16) compared to just five (3-5) for Butler.

Kamar Baldwin and Jordan Tucker each had 11 points for Butler.

Villanova improves to 6-0 in BIG EAST play and 15-4 overall with the win. Butler had beaten the defending national champions in each of the last two seasons at Hinkle Fieldhouse, but was unable to accomplish the feat Tuesday, falling to 12-8 (3-4).

The Bulldogs return to action Friday night, traveling to Creighton. The 8:30 p.m. (Eastern, 7:30 p.m. Central/Omaha) tip will air on FS1.