NEW YORK, N.Y. - Villanova sophomore forward Jermaine Samuels was named to the BIG EAST Honor Roll for the first time as a Wildcat on Monday.

The native of Franklin, Mass., delivered a brilliant performance in last week's 67-61 victory over Marquette at Finneran Pavilion on "Senior Night". Samuels produced a career-high 29 points on 10-of-19 shooting from the field to help the 'Cats snap a three-game losing streak. He also added nine rebounds against the Golden Eagles and followed that with an 11 carom effort in Saturday's 75-54 triumph over Butler at Wells Fargo Center.

For the week, Samuels averaged 18.0 points and 10.0 rebounds per outing.

Meanwhile on Monday, the Wildcats returned to the Associated Press Top 25 after dropping from the poll a week ago. Villanova checks in at No. 23 and now has been ranked for 12 weeks in 2018-19. VU also returned to the USA Today Coaches poll announced Monday at No. 23.

Villanova (22-8 overall, 13-4 BIG EAST) holds a half-game lead over Marquette (23-6 overall, 12-4 BIG EAST) in the race for the BIG EAST regular season title. Marquette visits Seton Hall on Wednesday night and the Wildcats travel to Newark to meet the Pirates in their regular season finale on Saturday (noon on Fox and 610 ESPN Radio). Marquette hosts Georgetown Saturday as it wraps up its regular season.

The BIG EAST Tournament begins Wednesday, March 13. The Wildcats will finish as either the No. 1 or No. 2 seed at the BIG EAST Tournament.