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 January 12th
Overall Record: 8-8, 2-5 against ranked opponents. Again, these numbers look a little worse than they actually are because it only includes 5 home games. During their home stint Nova is a more respectable 3-2, but we’re in the thick of Big East play now and wins don’t come easily.
Most Frequent Opponent: Georgetown four times (1-3). The lone Villanova victory came in DC against then #4 Georgetown in 1984, the year they won the NCAA Championship. Nova would lose their next three meetings with the Hoyas on the 12th, including a two point home loss in ‘85 when Georgetown was ranked #1. As we all know, the Wildcats got their revenge later that season!
Most Intriguing Opponent: Muhlenburg in 1952 (W, 107-81). One of these things is not like the others! Muhlenburg, a SMALL college up in the Lehigh Valley, is the only opponent Villanova has played on this day since 1950 that hasn’t at some point been part of the BIG East or the BIG 5. See what I did there? The only BIG thing abut this game was Nova’s 107 points.
Highlighted Game: #17 Louisville in 2011 (W, 88-74). Back in the day when a VUHoops Open Game Thread would only get 2 posts (one of which was Chris), Nova was on an early season tear. The #7 Villanova Wildcats were led by the senior class of Corey Fisher, Corey Stokes, and Antonio Pena. Sophomore Mouphtaou Yarou was starting to show how good he could be, and his classmate Maalik Wayns was becoming a terror on both ends of the court. Enjoy this come from behind win from the ‘Cats.
Villanova’s January 12th games since 1950:
- 2013, @ #7 Syracuse, L, 61-72
- 2011, vs #17 Louisville, W, 88-74
- 2008, @ Cincinnati, L, 66-69
- 2000, vs La Salle, W, 80-72
- 1998, vs Georgetown, L, 61-67
- 1987, (N) #16 Georgetown, L, 73-80
- 1985, vs #1 Georgetown, L, 50-52
- 1984, @ #4 Georgetown, W, 65-63
- 1983, @ Pittsburgh, W, 66-48
- 1980, @ West Virginia, L, 68-86
- 1977, vs West Virginia, W, 75-65
- 1974, @ #10 Providence, L, 77-87
- 1966, @ Xavier, W, 90-82
- 1963, (N) St. Joe’s, W, 63-61
- 1957, @ #18 West Virginia, L, 70-92
- 1952, @ Muhlenburg, W, 107-81
What was your favorite game on January 12th?