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Every Thursday we’ll take a look back at that day in Villanova Basketball to remember the good times (and possibly not so good times). We’ll look at some numbers, opponents, highlight a game or two, and use this as a place for Nova Nation to relive some of their favorite games. We’ve pulled games from the last 60+ years, all the way back to 1950, so there should be something for everyone. Let’s get to it!
VUHoops #TBT for December 15th
Overall Record: 6-5, which reveals the shocking truth that sometimes college students can get distracted. With everything that’s going on this time of year, it’s no wonder that late December is usually a lull in the schedule. In fact, the Cats have only played once on the 15th since their lone game against a ranked opponent, a loss to 17th ranked Temple in 1999.
Most Frequent Opponent: Penn (1-1) and Niagra (0-2) twice. The Niagra games are especially painful as both losses came at home in the Field House, and each by just 2 points.
Most Intriguing Opponent: Duquesne. This game in 1979, a 72-77 loss, marked the end of a great rivalry in Villanova Basketball. The two had faced each other a handful of times in the 30’s and 40’s, but the rivalry really began in 1949. For 31 years, the two would face off every season, often times more than once with home-and-home match-ups in the same year. But in 1980, Villanova would join the Big East, leaving the rivalry by the wayside. The teams would only face off once more in the ‘94 NIT, a victory for the Cats en route to winning the whole tournament. The win would also tie the series between the schools at 25-25.
Highlighted Game: La Salle in 2013 (W, 73-52). This was the first of now three 10-0 starts for this year’s senior class of Josh Hart, Kris Jenkins, and Darryl Reynolds. It truly is amazing that this team has been this good for this long, and the seniors have been at the core of it all. Just like they beat Temple by 21 this Tuesday, enjoy these highlights of the Cats crushing La Salle by the same margin.
Villanova’s Dec. 15th Games Since 1950
- 2013, vs La Salle, W, 73-52
- 1999, @ #17 Temple, L, 66-69
- 1998, vs UMass, W, 66-55
- 1992, vs Penn (neutral), L, 59-71
- 1984, @ Penn, W, 80-67
- 1979, @ Duquesne, L, 72-77
- 1973, vs Niagara, L, 63-65
- 1964, vs Toledo, W, 95-60
- 1962, vs Niagara, L, 71-73
- 1956, vs William & Mary, W, 81-73
- 1953, @ Princeton, W, 68-56
So what was your favorite game on December 15th?