Eric Dixon delivered a career-high 23 points as Villanova basketball secured a decisive 81-66 victory over No. 16 Marquette on Friday night. The Wildcats’ explosive first-half performance, highlighted by Jhamir Brickus’ 15 points and 80% three-point accuracy, ended their eight-game losing streak against the Golden Eagles. This win strengthens Villanova’s position in the Big East standings while raising questions about Marquette’s NCAA tournament readiness.
Villanova (16-12, 9-8 Big East) showcased relentless offense early, building a 46-33 halftime lead. Brickus sank all five three-point attempts, while the team collectively made 15 of 26 from beyond the arc. Jordan Dumont contributed 15 points, helping the Wildcats avoid a repeat of their recent collapse against UConn.
Key factors in Villanova’s victory:
- Historic three-point shooting (57.7% success rate)
- Marquette’s defensive breakdowns in perimeter coverage
- Zero second-half scoring droughts for Wildcats
Marquette (20-7, 11-5) now faces mounting pressure after losing four of their last six games. Despite Zaide Lowery’s 25-point effort, the Golden Eagles failed to close within single digits after halftime. With critical matchups against UConn and St. John’s looming, their NCAA at-large bid prospects require immediate course correction.
Villanova’s resurgence against top conference opponents – including previous home wins against St. John’s and UConn – positions them just half a game behind Xavier for a crucial first-round tournament bye. The Wildcats’ remaining schedule features a road test against Seton Hall on Wednesday.
“When our shooters find rhythm like this, we can compete with anyone in the country,” said Villanova head coach Kyle Neptune postgame.
As March Madness approaches, both teams face pivotal moments. Marquette must address defensive vulnerabilities before Tuesday’s Providence clash, while Villanova aims to sustain momentum in their push for postseason positioning.
