Seton Hall’s late rally fails against Villanova

PHILADELPHIA — Eric Dixon scored 19 points to help Villanova defeat Seton Hall, 58-54, on Saturday night.

Dixon also had six rebounds for the Wildcats (12-13, 6-8 Big East) and Caleb Daniels scored 18 points with five rebounds. Cam Whitmore shot 4-for-7 (2-for-3 from 3-point range) and 2-for-4 from the free throw line to finish with 12 points, while adding three steals.

The Pirates (15-11, 8-7) were led by Tyrese Samuel, who finished with 14 points, 10 rebounds and two blocks. Al-Amir Dawes added 13 points for Seton Hall. Kadary Richmond also had 10 points, nine assists and four steals.

Villanova entered halftime with a 27-20 lead after Dixon scored 13 points in the first half. The Pirates rallied to shoot within a point on a three-point play from Al-Amir Dawes with 9:31 to go before the Wildcats went on a 15-2 run to make it a lead of 53-39 with 3:16 left in the game. Whitmore scored nine second-half points in the win.