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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 NovaNation 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!
#VUHoopsTBT for December 8th
Overall Record: 11-3, again proving that early December is a great time to be a Wildcat. However, against ranked opponents Nova is 0-1 after a loss to the #1 ranked North Carolina Tar Heels at the Dean Smith Center. That’s ok, I think it’s safe to say the Cats have had the last laugh in that match-up.
Most Frequent Opponent: Penn (3-0). The theme of Big 5 games continues this week, although back in the day Villanova also used to play Ivy league member, Princeton, fairly regularly.
Most Intriguing Opponent: Southern California in 1967 (L, 65-82). How you convince a Los Angeles team to travel out to eastern Pennsylvania in December, I’ll never know. Jack Kraft must have been doing some fast talking, but getting them all the way out here just to get walked over at home doesn’t seem like the best strategy.
Highlighted Game: North Carolina in 1994 (L, 66-75). Coming off of their NIT Championship and looking to steal one on the road against the toughest opponent they’d face all season, Nova came up short against the #1 Tar Heels. This still looked like a team with promise as All-American Kerry Kittles scored a game high 22 points. Check out the game highlight at the 3:47 mark, but the whole season recap is worth a watch if you have the time.
Villanova’s December 8th Games Since 1950
- 2012, @ Penn, W, 68-55
- 2010, @ Penn, W, 65-53
- 2001, vs Temple (@ Palestra), W, 70-66
- 1994, @ #1 UNC, L, 66-75
- 1990, @ St. Joe’s, W, 83-82
- 1987, vs UConn, W, 63-61
- 1982, vs Marist, W, 97-69
- 1981, vs Providence, W, 65-54
- 1979, @ La Salle, W, 86-79
- 1976, vs Penn (neutral), W, 83-66
- 1973, @ Princeton, L, 70-77
- 1967, vs USC, L, 65-82
- 1964, vs Princeton, W, 61-60
- 1962, @ Toledo, W, 73-61
So what was your favorite game on December 8th?