COL BKB: Villanova 81, Rutgers 65

VILLANOVA, Pa., Jan. 2 (UPI) -- Corey Stokes and Corey Fisher combined for 42 points Sunday in eighth-ranked Villanova's 81-65 win over Rutgers in the Big East openers for both schools.

Stokes pumped in 23 points, Fisher contributed 19 and Maalik Wayns chipped in with nine points, nine assists and eight rebounds for Villanova (12-1, 1-0 Big East).

The win was the seventh straight for the Wildcats.

The Scarlet Knights (9-4, 0-1) were led by 17 points from Jonathan Mitchell, and James Beatty added 14 in the loss.