After a one-point loss to Maryland in its last outing, Sunday in Baltimore, the Villanova men’s basketball team was thankful for an opportunity to boost its confidence against Rider on Wednesday night at Finneran Pavilion.

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