<body><div><figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=0vXCzS_1Gz789bg00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=0vXCzS_1Gz789bg00" width="1200" height="800" ><figcaption>Erick Quezada</figcaption></figure>Villanova men’s basketball team will return to the Finneran Pavilion on Saturday, Nov. 14, to welcome Rider for a 7 p.m. matchup (ESPN+) as the Wildcats look to build momentum early in the season.Led by head coach Kevin Willard, Villanova opened the season with a 74-72 loss to Notre Dame, but managed a 95-66 win over Holy Cross on Nov. 6. The Wildcats have also added several new players to their squad, particularly Ohio State transfer Devin Royal. The senior forward led in scoring in the 29-point win over Holy Cross with 22 points.Freshman center Luigi Suigo recorded 16 points against Holy Cross while also collecting a notable 15 rebounds and five assists, which contributed to the Wildcats’ 50 total rebounds.The Broncs began their season against Pittsburgh and have Villanova, Miami and The University of Connecticut as other non-conference opponents.Rider’s offense has come primarily from senior guard Khalil Farmer, who has averaged 12 points per game through the Broncs’ first three games. A Philadelphia native, Farmer played for both Hofstra and UMass Lowell and brings valuable experience to an almost completely new Rider squad. Forward Rich Brisco has also become a leading figure by contributing 10.3 points and 5.7 rebounds per game. Graduate student Bryce Baker also averages 30.3 minutes per game and has provided a consistent seven points per game.One of the biggest humps Rider will have to overcome will be finding consistent offensive production. Averaging 58.3 points per game, the Broncs have shot 32.4 percent while shooting a subpar 22.1 percent from three. Additionally, their 12.3 turnovers per game give Villanova an opportunity to take the upper hand on Rider in transition. The matchup also favors Villanova heavily. The Wildcats are 24-2 all-time against Rider and have won the last 16 meetings against the Broncs. The most recent game was Nov. 27, 2024, when Villanova dominated in a 72-48 home win. Beyond individual performances, Villanova’s ball movement will be a major factor after the Wildcats recorded 26 assists against Holy Cross while shooting 51.4 percent from the field. Their ability to create and execute open looks will be a major advantage.Following the matchup with Rider, the Wildcats will travel to Pittsburgh on Tuesday, Nov. 17. The game gives Villanova another opportunity to prove itself against a power-conference opponent after defeating the Panthers, 79-61, last season.With 11 new transfers and two new freshmen joining over the offseason, Pitt will look very different than last season. Two notable additions are former Syracuse guard Naithan George and former North Carolina guard Jonathan Powell, both of whom will provide much-needed veteran experience.George recorded 16 points and seven assists against Buffalo.Pitt’s biggest strength in its first games has been the ability to generate offense from numerous players. Freshman forward Chase Foster opened his collegiate career with 23 points against Rider. His ability to score both inside and from the perimeter gives Pitt the presence it has been looking for.Despite starting its season 2-0, Pitt has shown where some of its weaknesses lie. Against Buffalo, the Panthers trailed by 13 points at halftime before mounting their comeback to take the win. Even so, Pitt shot just 35% from the field and 28 percent from beyond the arc, showing inconsistent shooting. Alongside their offense, the Wildcats will look to control the boards but will have a test against the Panthers’ rebounding. Pitt’s senior forward Baye Ndongo pulled down 21 rebounds against Buffalo.Tuesday’s game will give Villanova a chance to find its rhythm before taking on the reigning national champions, Michigan, on Nov. 21.Tuesday’s game against Pitt will begin at 7 p.m. at the Petersen Events Center (ACC Network). </div></body>

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Villanova men’s basketball team will return to the Finneran Pavilion on Saturday, Nov. 14, to welcome Rider for a 7 p.m. matchup (ESPN+) as the Wildcats look to build momentum early in the season. Led by head coach Kevin Willard, Villanova opened the season with a 74-72 loss to...

Preview: MBB vs. Rider and Pittsburgh

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Villanova men’s basketball team will return to the Finneran Pavilion on Saturday, Nov. 14, to welcome Rider for a 7 p.m. matchup (ESPN+) as the Wildcats lo

Preview: MBB vs. Rider and Pittsburgh

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