Villanova played its final home game of the season against Butler on Saturday afternoon. The Wildcats (18-12, 11-8 Big East) easily defeated the Bulldogs (13-16, 6-12 Big East), 80-70, on Senior Day. It was graduate forward Eric Dixon’s and other Wildcats’ final home game of their college careers.
Dixon finished his career at home picking up right where he left off after his 32-point game in Villanova’s win over Seton Hall.
In his 156th game as a Wildcat – tying the Villanova record held by Collin Gillespie – the forward scored 34 points on 66% from the field. He now holds sole possession of third place on the program’s all-time scoring list with 2,184 career points, passing Keith Herron (2,170 points).
I think [if] you ask anybody in the program, [Dixon] is definitely one of, if not, the most dedicated,” senior guard Jordan Longino said. “He’s always in the gym, 11, 12 o’clock at night, and in the gym early mornings. So he’s a guy that I’m inspired by.”
Dixon has now scored double digits in 45 consecutive games, which is the longest active streak in college basketball.
Villanova’s defense was a key ingredient in the first half. The Wildcats were able to limit the Bulldogs to six points in the first seven minutes of the game. It allowed Villanova to go on a 16-6 run to open the game and take a double-digit lead.
Eventually the Wildcats took a 15-point lead late in the second half and led, 43-28. That was until Butler closed out the half on a 7-0.
The Bulldogs continued their scoring run that closed the first half at the beginning of the second half. Butler went on a 15-2 run that stretched over the first and second half. However, that would be the last time the Bulldogs would do any damage.
Poplar is still the team’s leading rebounder, averaging 6.8 rebounds per game. He finished the game with 12 points and nine rebounds. He has six double-doubles on the season after only having three in three seasons at Miami.
With 17 assists, Villanova is now 13-3 when collecting 12 or more assists. Ball movement has been a key for the team with tough opponents this season.
“Our guys clearly did a great job offensively,” Villanova coach Kyle Neptune said. “We have a lot of unselfish guys, who can make plays for themselves, but also can make plays for others. If we get into space and we can draw two [defenders] and kick out, we are pretty good.”
Despite an early half Butler run, a 15-3 Villanova run with 7:41 left put the game away.
The Wildcats shot 50.8% on field goals and 42.9% from beyond the arc.
This game marked the potential final game at the Finneran Pavilion for some Wildcats including Dixon and Longino. Senior Day honored Longino, senior forward Enoch Boakye, senior guard Wooga Poplar and senior guard Collin O’Toole.
“Before the game I wasn’t really thinking too much about [my last home game],” Longino said. “I would say after we won, I kind of realized it was going to be my last game in the Finneran [Pavillon]. It was a little emotional, but I’m the type of a guy who doesn’t think too much about stuff like that. I’m just happy we got the win.”
The Wildcats now prepare for their final game of the regular season on Tuesday, March 4. Villanova will take on the Georgetown Hoyas (16-12, 7-10 Big East) at the Capital One Arena (8 p.m., Peacock. The Hoyas won the previous meeting this season, 64-63, on Jan. 20.
“We have one game seasons from here on out in our minds,” Neptune said. “So standings, none of that stuff really matters to us. We’re thinking we have another game in a couple of days. That’s our biggest game of the year. Beyond that doesn’t matter. Before that doesn’t matter.”
