LEWISBURG, Penn. (AP) — Pat McQuaide threw for 218 yards and two touchdowns, Braden Reed hauled in both passing scores, and Villanova avoided a late rally from Bucknell in a 17-16 win on Saturday night.

Villanova, ranked 18th in the Stats Perform FCS Top 25, have won 12 straight against Bucknell and lead the series 16-11-2.

Brandon Binkowski led with three receptions for 71 yards and Reed had five receptions for 68 yards. Ja’briel Mace rushed for 70 yards on 13 carries.

The Wildcats took a 14-0 lead before halftime. McQuaide connected with Reed on a 26-yard touchdown with 5:24 remaining in the first, and the duo linked up again for a 16-yard score with 1:13 to go before the half.

Bucknell began a rally with a one-yarder from Chris Dietrich to Sam Milligan, and came within one thanks to a 10-yard scoring catch from the pair.

Juan Garanton kicked a 40-yard field goal, making up for a missed PAT on the last drive and giving the Bison the lead.

LeBlanc’s 22-yard field goal put the Wildcats back ahead, and a miss from 29 by Garanton following the two-minute timeout allowed Villanova to run down the clock and pick up their first win of the campaign.

Up next

Villanova: Visits Louisville for its only FCS-FBS matchup of the season.

Bucknell: At VMI to begin its non-conference slate.

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