Eric Dixon poured in 24 points, Wooga Poplar 23 and Tyler Perkins 20 for Villanova, which broke away in the second half for an 80-68 win over visiting Xavier on Sunday in Philadelphia. Dixon, the nation's leading scorer at 23.8 points per game, had just two points before halftime but exploded for 15 straight Villanova points midway through the second half to turn the game in the Wildcats' favor. Poplar added a game-high eight rebounds as the Wildcats (14-10, 7-6 Big East) won their second straight game and moved into sole possession of fifth place in the conference. Dante Maddox Jr.
Eric Dixon takes charge after halftime as Villanova tops Xavier
