COL BKB: Marquette 81, Villanova 77

MILWAUKEE, Jan. 1 (UPI) -- Darius Johnson-Odom pumped in 24 points Sunday and No. 13 Marquette began its Big East Conference schedule with an 81-77 win over Villanova.

Davante Gardner added 13 with 10 rebounds while Todd Mayo and Jamil Wilson each contributed 11 points for Marquette (12-2, 1-0 Big East).

The Golden Eagles bounced back after dropping a 74-57 non-conference home game to Vanderbilt Thursday.

Villanova (7-7, 0-2) was led by Mouphtaou Yarou with 14 points.

The Wildcats have lost their first two conference games for the first time since the 2006-07 season.