PHILADELPHIA — On a memorable evening, Ian Jackson showcased the skills and potential that caught Rick Pitino’s eye when he was recruited. This performance is becoming increasingly common for the young sophomore guard.

During St. John’s 86-79 triumph over Villanova at Xfinity Mobile Arena on Saturday, Jackson shone brightly with 18 points, achieving a season-high with seven field goals. This standout game is part of his ongoing journey in adapting to the point guard position, a role he stepped into after transferring from North Carolina.

In addition to his scoring prowess, Jackson contributed with two assists and two steals, though he also faced challenges with three turnovers. After the game, Pitino praised Jackson’s progress and resilience as he continues to adapt to his new responsibilities deep into the Big East season.

“It’s incredibly challenging for someone who has never played this position to adapt at this level,” Pitino remarked. “And he’s excelling at it, far better than I ever expected.”

Jackson’s early season has been defined by his development and growth. Since earning a spot in the starting lineup in mid-December, he has consistently delivered, reaching double figures in scoring in seven out of the last ten games.

There’s not a shot that Jackson doesn’t like, Pitino joked Saturday.

In the first half against the Wildcats, he made all three of his shots and finished with seven points despite picking up a pair of personal fouls — forcing him to the bench.

Jackson, who entered the night averaging 10.2 points per game, then made another basket to start the second half and added the rest of his points as St. John’s built its lead and survived Villanova’s attempt at a comeback.

“I feel good,” Jackson said. “I think a performance like this … a testament to the preparation you put in, knowing how the other team’s gonna guard, knowing what they give up, knowing ways we can score.”

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Pitino described the St. John’s locker room at halftime — when they led Villanova by one — as emotional, adding that he “got on” St. John’s star Zuby Ejiofor in a way that has only happened one other time in his coaching career.

“There’s only two times in my life where I’ve really gotten on two players and I felt bad about it,” Pitino said. “One was Billy Donovan in the Alabama-Birmingham game, and Zuby tonight I felt bad about. But feeling bad only lasts about five seconds with me.”

Ejiofor finished with 18 points on 7-for-12 shooting, though he did miss five free throws.

After finishing with a season-best 24 points against Marquette on Tuesday, Oziyah Sellers was held scoreless in the first half and finished with just nine points.

Villanova honored its 2015-16 national championship team as part of an alumni ceremony at halftime, with Knicks stars Jalen Brunson, Mikal Bridges and Josh Hart contributing video messages since they couldn’t attend.

Pitino defended guard Joson Sanon after another quiet game, with the Arizona State transfer collecting just six points — his fifth consecutive game in single digits — but hitting two key 3-pointers in the second half. “I never worried about Joson for one bit,” Pitino said. “He’s had two great practices. I know he can score. He played good defense tonight. … He’s a great basketball player. Hasn’t shown it yet, but he will. He’s maybe the most physically talented young man on our team.”