Villanova Beats Rutgers in Standout Preseason Debut From Devin Royal

PISCATAWAY, N.J. — The Villanova Wildcats took down the Rutgers Scarlet Knights 77-75 on the road in their 2026-27 preseason debut on Sunday, Oct. 11, riding a 20 point, 10 rebound double-double from transfer forward Devin Royal as they survived a late comeback.

Playing without fellow forward Kwame Evans Jr., listed as day-to-day with a foot injury, the Wildcats trailed Rutgers 42-39 on the glass; head coach Kevin Willard started true freshman Adam Oumiddoch in Evans’ stead as he tinkered with his lineup.

Cornell transfer Jake Fiegen nailed five of ten three-point shots off the bench and added a pair of assists, giving an early example of his shooting bona fides, while Tyler Perkins (6-of-12 for 18 points, including four triples and six rebounds) looked close to his old self after recovering from offseason shoulder surgery.

Streaky Start to the Season

The Wildcats endured shooting slumps in the first half, making just 13 of 34 shots in the period. A 6-of-21 clip from three didn’t help, and extended ruts helped the Scarlet Knights take a 19-15 lead midway through the period. Threes from Buddy Simmons II and Perkins put Villanova back in front, but the slump didn’t end in earnest until a 6-0 run inside the four-minute mark.

Italian center Luigi Suigo (10 points, seven rebounds) gave the Wildcats a 34-31 lead at the half with a driving layup, and a barrage of threes from Fiegen and Perkins helped them establish a double-digit lead out of the break. Rutgers went to a full-court press that helped them stay within striking distance, while Royal made his first six shots of the half, showing off his athletic ability as he helped the Wildcats weather the storm.

Rutgers went on a 12-2 run in the final 2:14, cutting the deficit to one point, but they missed a layup with seconds to play and Fiegen came down with the game-sealing rebound, setting up an Elijah Crawford free throw.

Villanova will return to action at home against George Mason in their second of three exhibition games at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 17.