Villanova Wildcats (2-1) vs Rider Broncs (1-3)
Where: Finneran Pavilion (Villanova, PA)
When: Saturday, November 14 at 7 PM EST
Betting Line:
TBDHow to Watch: ESPN+
How to Listen: Villanova Sports Radio Network
KenPom: Villanova 41, Rider 360 (there are 365 teams in Division 1 college basketball)
Torvik: Villanova 32, Rider 363
Evan Miya: Villanova 37, Rider 361
About Rider: The Broncs are in the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (aka the MAAC), where they were picked to finish in last place in the preseason
coaches poll (out of 13 teams). No players were chosen for preseason awards. Thus far, Rider’s only win came in its most recent game, which was a home contest against Division III William Paterson. The Broncs won by a final score of 83-53. Prior to that, Rider lost road games at Pittsburgh and Binghampton, and a home game against New Hampshire. All losses were by double figures. Through four outings, the Broncs are led by Philadelphia-native Khalil Farmer and sophomore forward Rich Brisco. Farmer, is a 6’4” senior guard who played his previous three seasons for UMASS-Lowell and Hofstra. Farmer averages 12 points and 3.8 rebounds per game. Brisco is a transfer from Akron, who is averaging 11.5 points and 6.3 rebounds thus far. The two are the only players who average in double-digits for Rider, who has played the same starting lineup in all four games. Brisco and Farmer are joined by senior guards Bryce Baker and Mark Butler, along with junior guard Ty Bevins. The vast majority of the Broncs’ scoring comes from the perimeter.
Notes on Nova: Kwame Evans Jr. made his return against La Salle after a one-game absence, making his presence felt with eight points, three rebounds, two assists and a block in only 11 minutes played. It would be nice to see him ramp up more in this one, with a road game at Pittsburgh and a home game against Michigan on tap. Kevin Willard used him with Luigi Suigo for multiple stints against the Explorers, with the duo showing their high-low potential. The next step will be getting reps with Devin Royal also on the court, which Willard has stated they’ve been given limited opportunities in practice due to injuries. The size will need to be taken advantage of once again against Rider, as the only player in their rotation that is above 6’8” is 6’10” sophomore center Segun Ezekiel Obe, who averaged 1.8 points in 9.5 minutes per game. This is a critical last opportunity for reps before out-of-conference play wraps up, as outside of a home game against Coppin State on November 24, the Wildcats are on the road or playing quality opponents the rest of the way.
