Having matched the best start for the program since 2005-2006 at 10-0, Villanova welcomed Rider to the Pavilion tonight looking for their best start since 1961-62 squad started 12-0. The Wildcats did just that, as they cruised past the Broncs 88-67 to improve to 11-0 on the season.
Showing early that they take no opponent lightly, Jay Wright had his squad playing a half court press on defense, giving Rider plenty of problems trying to set up plays. The Wildcats went to the locker room up 43-29 after some nice hustle in the waning seconds of the half.
Up 40-29 with six second remaining, Tony Chennault stepped to the free throw line for the Wildcats. After making the first, Chennault missed the second, but Kris Jenkins grabbed the offensive board, kicking the ball back out to Chennault for the jumper as time expired.
The Wildcats shot 54.2 percent in the first half, including 5 of 13 from beyond the arc, as they received solid contributions from all around. Darrun Hilliard scored 9 points and grabbed 6 rebounds in the half, as Villanova dominated the glass, out-rebounding Rider 22-9 in the half.
It would be all Wildcats again in the second half, as Villanova expanded its lead over the Broncs. Having opened up a huge lead, Villanova was able to cruise late, giving time to the walk-ons, as they chipped in a few points in the closing seconds.
Josh Hart led all Villanova scorers, finishing the contest with 19 points on 7 of 8 shooting to go along with 5 rebounds. JayVaughn Pinkston scored 14 for the Wildcats, and Darrun Hilliard pitched in 13 points and 7 rebounds to help Villanova improve to 11-0.
Anthony Myles led all scorers in the game with 22 for the Broncs, while Jimmie Taylor and Daniel Stewart pitched in 15 and 13 apiece for Rider in the losing effort.
Off to the best start as a program in more than 50 years, Villanova will be back in action next Saturday against #2 Syracuse as they look for their 12th win.
By: Kyle Babcock
Follow us on Twitter: @BroadStBeat
Up 40-29 with six second remaining, Tony Chennault stepped to the free throw line for the Wildcats. After making the first, Chennault missed the second, but Kris Jenkins grabbed the offensive board, kicking the ball back out to Chennault for the jumper as time expired.
The Wildcats shot 54.2 percent in the first half, including 5 of 13 from beyond the arc, as they received solid contributions from all around. Darrun Hilliard scored 9 points and grabbed 6 rebounds in the half, as Villanova dominated the glass, out-rebounding Rider 22-9 in the half.
It would be all Wildcats again in the second half, as Villanova expanded its lead over the Broncs. Having opened up a huge lead, Villanova was able to cruise late, giving time to the walk-ons, as they chipped in a few points in the closing seconds.
Josh Hart led all Villanova scorers, finishing the contest with 19 points on 7 of 8 shooting to go along with 5 rebounds. JayVaughn Pinkston scored 14 for the Wildcats, and Darrun Hilliard pitched in 13 points and 7 rebounds to help Villanova improve to 11-0.
Anthony Myles led all scorers in the game with 22 for the Broncs, while Jimmie Taylor and Daniel Stewart pitched in 15 and 13 apiece for Rider in the losing effort.
Off to the best start as a program in more than 50 years, Villanova will be back in action next Saturday against #2 Syracuse as they look for their 12th win.
By: Kyle Babcock
Follow us on Twitter: @BroadStBeat
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