Maalik Wayns had a big second half to finish with 23 points and seven assists, and Mouphtaou Yarou contributed 11 points and 10 rebounds as Villanova cruised to a 71-46 victory over UC Riverside in the first round of the 76 Classic on Thursday.

Darrun Hilliard and James Bell added 12 points each for the Wildcats (4-0), who will play Saint Louis in the semifinals Friday at 2:30 p.m. ET.

Villanova took control despite leading scorers Wayns and Dominic Cheek shooting 1-for-9 from the field combined in the opening 20 minutes.

It was the 350th career victory for Villanova coach Jay Wright -- 228 coming with the Wildcats.

Villanova struggled to get on track early, falling behind by as many as six points. UC Riverside (1-3) led 14-12 before going scoreless for more than seven minutes as the Wildcats put together a 16-0 run, keyed by Yarou and Hilliard, for a 32-16 halftime lead.

The Highlanders made just 6-of-25 shots in the first half and committed 14 fouls. Villanova took advantage, making 12-of-14 free throws.

Daymond Cowlah led UC Riverside with 10 points. Highlanders’ leading scorer Phil Martin was just 2-for-10 from the field, scoring six points.