Villanova Restores Big 5 Crown as a Bigger Challenge Looms
So here’s the story unfolding around Villanova basketball right now, and it’s actually pretty fascinating. After a couple of rocky years in the revamped Big 5 Classic — years that many fans felt were simply not acceptable for a program of Villanova’s standard — the Wildcats finally reclaimed their place at the top. And they didn’t just win it; they made a statement.
The celebration happened Saturday at the Xfinity Mobile Arena, where a banner was dropped and players pulled on shirts stamped with the familiar “V” and the words “OUR CITY.” Now, sure, critics love to point out that Villanova isn’t technically in Philadelphia, but on this night it didn’t matter. The Wildcats looked every bit like the dominant local power they’ve traditionally been.
Their 90–63 win over Penn sealed the Big 5 title, and the dominance was clear from the numbers alone. Villanova won all three Big 5 games by an average of 20 points. Even more impressive? They shot nearly 50% from deep, knocking down 15 threes, and forced Penn into 14 turnovers. The game was tied late in the first half at 27–27, but then Villanova ripped off a 17–2 run and never looked back.
Also Read:- PlayStation’s 2025 Wrap-Up Brings Your Year in Gaming to Life
- The Road to the 2026 Concacaf Champions Cup Crown
Duke Brennan ended up with MVP honors after posting 15 points, 10 rebounds, and a little bit of everything else — steals, blocks, assists. Bryce Lindsay couldn’t miss from deep, hitting five of six threes on his way to a game-high 18 points. Devin Askew added 17 off the bench, and Matt Hodge chipped in 12. Penn had a few players reach double figures, but their top scorer, Ethan Roberts, was held scoreless and eventually left with an injury.
The outcome wasn’t a shock. Villanova entered the game as a heavy favorite, and although Penn hung around with early three-point shooting, the talent gap eventually showed. Their new head coach, Kevin Willard, even joked afterward that he told his players anyone giving up another open three “is never playing again,” but the smile made it clear he enjoyed how his team responded.
And that response, honestly, has been the theme so far this season. Villanova is now 7–1, with their only loss coming to No. 9 BYU in the opener. Since then, they’ve steamrolled lesser competition, building chemistry with a roster that features thirteen new players. Home games and regular practice time have helped them settle into a rhythm, but everyone around the program knows the real test is next.
On Tuesday, they head to Ann Arbor to face No. 3 Michigan — a team destroying opponents by 30 and 40 points and maybe about to be ranked No. 1 in the country. Willard called it “a big test,” and honestly, that feels like an understatement.
With Pittsburgh, Wisconsin, and Big East play right after, Villanova’s fun warm-up period is officially over. The Big 5 title was the first step. Now we get to see what this new-look Wildcats team really is.
Read More:
0 Comments