After a 76-75 loss to Maryland in its last outing in Baltimore, Villanova was thankful for an opportunity to boost its confidence against Rider at the Finneran Pavilion Wednesday night. Villanova (4-4) pushed past Rider (4-3),

VILLANOVA, Pa. (AP) — Eric Dixon’s 16 points helped Villanova defeat Rider 72-48 on Wednesday night. Dixon added five assists and three steals for the Wildcats (4-4). Jhamir Brickus shot 5 for 9, including 5 for 7 from beyond the arc to add 15 points. Tyler Perkins went 3 of 6 from the field (2 for 5 from 3-point range) to finish with 10 points.

Eric Dixon had 16 points and five assists as host Villanova put away turnover-prone Rider 72-48 on Wednesday in Philadelphia. The Wildcats (4-4) were working with a narrow lead until