VILLANOVA, Pa. — Another week, and the University of Maine football team still sits alone at the top of the Colonial Athletic Association after Saturday’s nail-biting 37-35 win at Villanova.

The Black Bears (7-1 overall, 5-0 CAA) led for almost the entire contest but survived a comeback bid directed by Villanova quarterback John Robertson, who accounted for all five Wildcat touchdowns.

Villanova (4-4, 3-2) had one last chance to pull out a victory when it forced a punt and took possession at its own 26 with 18 seconds remaining. But an interception by Kendall James sealed the win for the Black Bears.

Robertson rushed for 214 yards and four TDs and also passed for 121 yards and a touchdown.

Maine’s Marcus Wasilewski completed 28 of 34 passes for 337 yards and two touchdowns, and was also the team’s leading rusher with 20 carries for 86 yards and a score.

The Black Bears fell behind early when Robertson scored on a 5-yard run just over two minutes into the game. The drive was keyed by a 59-yard run by Robertson.

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But the Black Bears scored on all five of their possessions in the first half, producing 17 straight points before the end of the first quarter to open a 17-7 lead. After Sean Decloux connected on the first of his three field goals — from 39 yards — Demarr Aultman hauled in a 51-yard touchdown pass. On the next drive, Wasilewski threw a key block to spring Nigel Jones for a 15-yard touchdown run.

“I am going to get criticized bragging about how tough this kid is,” Maine coach Jack Cosgrove said of Wasilewski. “He knows how to play the game. He’s a complete football player.”

After a 42-yard field goal from Decloux pushed Maine’s lead to 20-7, Robertson struck again, this timeon a 41-yard run with 2:58 left in the half. A 40-yard field goal by Decloux made it 23-14 at the half.

Wasilewski connected with Arthur Williams for a 5-yard touchdown pass less than four minutes into the third quarter, but then Robertson went to work. He connected with Poppy Livers for a 23-yard scoring pass, then scored on an 8-yard run to bring the Wildcats within 30-28.

Wasilewski’s 6-yard TD run with 8:45 left gave Maine a bit of breathing room. Robinson answered with a 5-yard scoring run with 4:17 remaining.

Justin Perillo led Maine receivers with seven catches for 94 yards, while Aultman (6-86) and John Ebeling (7-62) were also heavily involved in the offense. Maine outgained the Wildcats 536-386.

Cabrinni Goncalves and Christophe Mulumba had six tackles for the Maine defense, while Michael Cole had four tackles and a sack.


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