clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile

Filed under:

Villanova Basketball #TBT for March 2nd

It’s a day of big scores with both Nova’s most points and largest Big East defeat.

Old Villanova Logo

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 March 2nd

Overall Record: 10-8, 0-4 vs ranked teams. March is the craziest month in this sport, and the Wildcats record is no different. While Nova was on a pretty good run on this day through the 60’s and 70’s, that all changed when they joined the Big East. Once a part of their new conference, Villanova lost their first six league games on March 2nd over a span of 20 years. But since then, the team has “Wright”-ed the ship, and they’ve won 4 of their last 5.

Most Frequent Opponent: Providence (1-2). The lone victory in this match-up for Nova came back in 1968 as they defeated the Friars at home 58-42. The two losses came once the teams had joined the Big East, both double digit drubbings in Providence. Not very exciting.

Most Intriguing Game: 1970 vs Seton Hall (W, 126-96). March 2nd is the day of the highest scoring game in Villanova history. Back in 1970, Seton Hall and Villanova combined for 222 points at Jake Nevin. Nova’s leading scorer that day was Howard Porter, who put up a career high 40 points. The following season he would lead Villanova to the NCAA finals against UCLA.

But with every ying there’s a yang, and March 2nd is also the day of Villanova’s largest defeat in the Big East. The Wildcats traveled to #8 Georgetown in 1996 and got blown out 68-106. Not only was it their largest big east loss, but it was one of the worst losses in school history.

Highlighted Game: 2010 vs Cincinnati (W, 77-73). This was a close game through the first half. #9 Villanova jumped out to a big lead in the second, but a tough Bearcats team came storming back to make it a 3 point game with under two minutes to play. But Reggie Redding connected from deep to help the Cats pull away, and Scottie Reynolds sealed the victory with late free throws. Lastly, I double checked, the game was on the 2nd, not the 3rd like the video suggests :)

Villanova Games Since 1950 on March 2nd

Year Location Opponent Win/Loss Nova Opp
Year Location Opponent Win/Loss Nova Opp
2014 Home Marquette W 73 56
2010 Away Cincinnati W 77 73
2009 Away Notre Dame W 77 60
2008 Away #13 Louisville L 54 68
2005 Home Seton Hall W 79 58
2004 Home Miami (FL) L 56 59
1996 Away #8 Georgetown L 68 106
1994 Away Providence L 67 77
1993 Home Pittsburgh L 76 77
1987 Away #20 Providence L 80 97
1985 Away Pittsburgh L 62 85
1978 Neutral Penn State W 73 65
1974 Away #2 Notre Dame L 85 115
1971 Away Boston College W 90 77
1970 Home Seton Hall W 126 96
1968 Home Providence W 58 42
1963 Neutral La Salle W 63 47
1956 Home St. Bonaventure W 72 54

What was your favorite game on March 2nd?