VILLANOVA, Pa. -- Corey Fisher scored 24 points and Maalik Wayns had 15 to lead No. 6 Villanova to a 68-52 victory over Bucknell on Friday night in the season opener for both teams.
Corey Stokes scored 11 points for the Wildcats, who never found any consistent offense and couldn't shake the Bison until the waning minutes. The Wildcats led by only eight points with 6:10 left until Fisher scored some late baskets that gave them the cushion needed to win their 38th straight game at the Pavilion.
The Wildcats have become NCAA tournament regulars under coach Jay Wright thanks to a steady string of star guards. Fisher, Wayns and Stokes appear set to keep that going this season.
Their big men stayed busy underneath, with Antonio Pena and Mouphtaou Yarou combining for 15 rebounds.
Darryl Shazier led Bucknell with 12 points. The Bison went 8 for 22 on 3-pointers.