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Articles by Eric Watkins
NCAA Basketball Post-Season All-Time Rankings (through 2026)
VUSports brings you all-time NCAA historical program rankings for NCAA Tournament and NIT results (through the 2026 season) - broken into two sets. The first set of rankings excludes all of the results that were voided by the NCAA over the years.
All-Time NCAA Tournament Performance Rankings (through 2026)
ALL-TIME NCAA TOURNAMENT PERFORMANCE RANKINGS (through the 2025-26 Season) This ranking system is an attempt to provide insight into the question "what is the greatest college basketball program of all-time?". There are several theories out there as to how one goes about choosing the best programs. Some believe that the number of national titles is the only fair measure.
Villanova Legends in the NBA 2026-27 Week 2
(Photo: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) Seven Villanova Wildcat legends are on NBA rosters at this point in the 2026-27 NBA season. Here is a look at their contracts, statistics and composite schedule for the coming week (data/stats per spotrac.com, nba.com, basketball-reference.com): Saddiq Bey, 6-8, Forward, New Orleans Pelicans, #41 Signed a 3-year, guaranteed, $55,500,000 contract with the Pelicans with an average salary of $18,500,000. FA for 2030-31 season.
Road conditions faced by NCAA Basketball Champions since 1985 (through 2026)
Road Conditions Faced by NCAA Men's Basketball Champions Winning six consecutive games to be crowned NCAA Basketball Champion is never an easy task. However, given the nature of a single elimination tournament, there have been years where eventual National Champions have had to play against a collectively stronger or weaker set of opponents from a "seed" perspective.
Villanova Basketball NCAA Tournament History (through 2026)
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Villanova upsets Lehigh, 24-18
(Photo: Rick Pettine) Quick Summary: 'Nova football secured a significant, 24-18, upset win over #11/#12 Lehigh and handed the Mountain Hawks their first Patriot League loss of the season. Villanova advances to 4-4 overall and 3-2 in Patriot League action with the victory. The Cats now travel to take on Lafayette in another conference battle next Saturday.
Villanova football vs. Lehigh preview
(Photo: Rick Pettine) Villanova (3-4 Overall, 2-2 Patriot) vs.
Observations from Villanova's 71-93 exhibition loss to Virginia
VUSports was at the Pavilion on Wednesday for the third and final exhibition game of the 2026-27 season. Here are some notes and observations from the Cats' 71-93 loss to Virginia. VIP (Photo: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) VUSports was at the Pavilion on Wednesday for the third and final exhibition game of the 2026-27 season. Here are some notes and observations from the Cats' 71-93 loss to Virginia.
Villanova Legends in the NBA 2026-27 Week 1
(Photo: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) Seven Villanova Wildcat legends are on NBA rosters to start the 2026-27 NBA season. Here is a look at their contracts, statistics and composite schedule for the coming week (data/stats per spotrac.com, nba.com, basketball-reference.com): Saddiq Bey, 6-8, Forward, New Orleans Pelicans, #41 Signed a 3-year, guaranteed, $55,500,000 contract with the Pelicans with an average salary of $18,500,000. FA for 2030-31 season.
Observations from Villanova's 84-67 exhibition win over George Mason
VUSports was at the Pavilion on Saturday afternoon for the second exhibition game of the 2026-27 season. Here are some notes and observations from the Cats' 84-67 win over George Mason. VIP (Photo: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) VUSports was at the Pavilion on Saturday afternoon for the second exhibition game of the 2026-27 season. Here are some notes and observations from the Cats' 84-67 win over George Mason.
Cats win at Fordham, 38-17
(Photo: Rick Pettine) Quick Summary: 'Nova football took a step in a positive direction on Saturday afternoon in New York with a convincing, 38-17 win over Fordham. The Cats showed improvement on both sides of the ball with Pat McQuaide leading an efficient passing attack to balance a steady run game while the defensive line and secondary stepped up to contribute big plays at timely moments.
Villanova football at Fordham preview
(Photo: Rick Pettine) Villanova (2-4 Overall, 1-2 Patriot) at Fordham (2-5 Overall, 2-2 Patriot) Game Info: Saturday, 17 October, 3:30 PM at Moglia Stadium at Jack Coffey Field All-Time Series: Villanova leads 22-5-3 Last Meeting: 14-7 Villanova win in 2015 Last Fordham win: 27-24 in 2013 'Nova Head Coach, Mark Ferrante is 0-0 against Fordham and 71-40 overall in his career Fordham Head Coach, Joe Conlin is 0-0 against Villanova and 34-57 in his career Watch: ESPN+ (Andrew Bogusch (Play By...
Observations from Villanova's 77-75 exhibition win at Rutgers
VUSports was at Rutgers on a rainy, October Sunday afternoon for the first exhibition game (of three) for Villanova prior to the start of the 2026-27 basketball season. Here are some notes and observations from the game. VIP (Photo: VUSports,com) VUSports was at Rutgers on a rainy, October Sunday afternoon for the first exhibition game (of three) for Villanova prior to the start of the 2026-27 basketball season.
Cats edged by Morgan State, 38-35
(Photo: Rick Pettine) Quick Summary: Despite a combined five rushing touchdowns from Ja'briel Mace and Isaiah Ragland, Villanova was unable to surpass the efforts of Morgan State QB, Cameron Edge who led his Bears to a 38-35 victory over the Cats with 444 passing yards, 3 passing TDs and 2 rushing TDs. The Cats fell to 2-4 on the season and will be forced to lick their wounds and regroup during their upcoming bye week after suffering another close home loss.
Villanova football vs. Morgan State preview
(Photo: Rick Pettine) Villanova (2-3 Overall, 1-2 Patriot) vs.
Cats fall to 2-3 with home loss to Colgate
(Photo: Rick Pettine) Quick Summary: Villanova fell to 2-3 on the season and 1-2 in Patriot League play with a 21-28 home loss against Colgate. The Cats were beaten at the line on both sides of the ball - allowing 6 sacks while earning 0 sacks and 0 QB hurries. Villanova averaged a paltry, 2.1 yards per carry, failed to create any turnovers and committed eight penalties for 60 yards and four Raider first downs.
Villanova football vs. Colgate preview
#23/#22 Villanova (2-2 Overall, 1-1 Patriot) hosts RV/#23 Colgate (3-1 Overall, 2-0 Patriot) on Saturday afternoon (2:30 PM, ESPN+). VUSports previews the action. (Photo: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) #23/#22 Villanova (2-2 Overall, 1-1 Patriot) vs.
Late touchdown drive earns Villanova a 20-16 win at LIU
(Photo: Rick Pettine) Quick Summary: Villanova elevated to 2-2 on the season with a hard-earned, 20-16 road win at LIU. After a scoreless first quarter, the teams exchanged field goals to tie the game at three entering half-time. The Cats received first in the second half and embarked on a touchdown drive which gave them their first lead of the game at 10-3. After another field goal trade, the Sharks tied the game at 13 with a 50-yard interception return for a touchdown by Braylon Vincent.
Villanova football at LIU preview
(Photo: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) #22/#23 Villanova (1-2 Overall, 1-1 Patriot) at LIU (0-3 Overall, 0-0 NEC) Game Info: Saturday, 19 September, 12:00 PM at Shark Stadium, Brookville, New York All-Time Series: Villanova leads 3-0 'Nova Head Coach, Mark Ferrante is 3-0 against LIU and 70-38 overall in his career LIU Head Coach, Ron Cooper is 0-2 against Villanova, 18-13 at LIU and 67-90 in his career Watch: NEC Front Row (Mike Murabito (Play By Play) and Jim Wright (Analyst)) Listen:...
Kevin Willard talks with VUSports (Part 2)
Kevin Willard talks with VUSports (Part 2) Yesterday afternoon, Villanova Men's Basketball Head Coach, Kevin Willard took time out of his jam-packed schedule to chat with VUSports. Here is part two of our exclusive interview with Coach Willard. (Photo: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) VUSports: How does Luigi Suigo compare to other young centers you've coached?
Kevin Willard talks with VUSports (Part 1)
(Photo: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) VUSports: What was the most satisfying thing about your first season at Villanova? Coach Willard: I think it's just the way last year's group played. I think they played the way Villanova plays basketball. I thought we were tough, but we played very unselfish. I thought that was really the biggest accomplishment - setting that tone of how we wanted to play. That group last year did a great job. VUSports: What was the most disappointing?
Cards crush Cats, 59-13
(Photo: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) Quick Summary: Villanova dropped to 1-2 on the season with a 59-13 drubbing at Louisville on Friday evening. "Playing up" against FBS opponents is never easy for FCS squads - the Cats are now 4-25 against FBS teams since 1985 (with the wins coming against lesser FBS programs in Rutgers (2002) and Temple (2003, 2009, 2018). Villanova is now 1-20 all-time against teams ranked in the AP Top 25, with the only win coming against No. 18 Detroit Mercy in 1937.
Villanova football at Louisville preview
(Photo: Rick Pettine) #21/#18 Villanova (1-1 Overall, 1-1 Patriot) at #24 AP Louisville (0-1 Overall, 0-0 ACC) Friday, 11 September, 7:00 pm at L&N Federal Credit Union Stadium, Louisville, Kentucky All-Time Series: First Meeting 'Nova Head Coach, Mark Ferrante is 70-37 in his career Louisville Head Coach, Jeff Brohm is 28-13 at Louisville and 94-57 in his career ACC Network (Cooper Boardman (Play By Play), Charles Arbuckle (Analyst), Ashley Stroehlein (Reporter)) Villanova Sports Radio...
Garrett Rogan blocked kick helps Villanova escape Bucknell with 17-16 victory
(Photo: Rick Pettine) Quick summary: Villanova bounced back from a season-opening, home loss to William & Mary with a narrow road win over Bucknell. The first half played out mostly as expected with the Wildcat defense limiting Bucknell to 90 yards of offense and keeping them off the scoreboard. Meanwhile, though sputtering at times, the 'Nova offense was able to muster two touchdown drives - one in each quarter.
Villanova football vs. William & Mary preview
(Photo: Rick Pettine) #8/#7 Villanova (0-0 Overall, 0-0 Patriot) vs.
Villanova professional championship history
(Photo: Wendell Cruz, USA TODAY Sports) The New York Knicks defeated the San Antonio Spurs in the NBA Finals last night, 4 games to 1. Villanova legends Jalen Brunson, Mikal Bridges and Josh Hart all played key roles for the Knicks and became the 11th through 13th Wildcats to emerge victorious in the NBA Finals. Bridges was on the 2021 Phoenix Suns squad which lost in the NBA Finals. Brunson and Hart won in their first Finals appearances.
Villanova earns massive commitment from 7-3, Center, Luigi Suigo
At 1:00 pm today, 7-3 Center, Luigi Suigo announced via Draft Express that he has withdrawn from the NBA Draft and intends to play his D1 basketball at Villanova. The skilled, Italian from the Class of 2026 is a key component in Kevin Willard's revamped roster for the 2026-27 season. (Photo: Getty) At 1:00 pm today, 7-3 Center, Luigi Suigo announced via Draft Express that he has withdrawn his name from the NBA Draft and intends to play his D1 basketball at Villanova.
Villanova NBA Finals preview and Wildcat professional championship history
The NBA Finals begin tonight between the Knicks and the San Antonio Spurs. The Knicks feature three Villanova basketball legends on their roster ... VIP (Photo: Wendell Cruz, USA TODAY Sports) The NBA Finals begin tonight between the New York Knicks and the San Antonio Spurs. Villanova legends Jalen Brunson, Mikal Bridges and Josh Hart will all play in key roles for the Knicks as they look to become the 11th through 13th Wildcats to emerge victorious in the NBA Finals.
Villanova Legends in the NBA 2025-26 Week 25
(Photo: Wendell Cruz) Eight Villanova Wildcat legends are on NBA rosters at this point in the 2025-26 NBA season. Here is a look at their contracts, statistics and composite schedule for the coming week (data/stats per spotrac.com, nba.com, basketball-reference.com): Saddiq Bey, 6-8, Forward, New Orleans Pelicans, #41 Guaranteed $19,000.000. Salary of $6,118,644 for 2025-26. Three year deal. FA for 2027-28 season.
Villanova Legends in the NBA 2025-26 Week 24
(Photo: Rick Osentoski, USA TODAY Sports) Nine Villanova Wildcat legends are on NBA rosters at this point in the 2025-26 NBA season. Here is a look at their contracts, statistics and composite schedule for the coming week (data/stats per spotrac.com, nba.com, basketball-reference.com): Saddiq Bey, 6-8, Forward, New Orleans Pelicans, #41 Guaranteed $19,000.000. Salary of $6,118,644 for 2025-26. Three year deal. FA for 2027-28 season.
Cats implode late in 86-76, NCAA loss to Utah State
Villanova imploded in the final four minutes of a 86-76, NCAA Tournament loss to Utah State - allowing the Aggies to close a game that was knotted at 73 with 3:54 remaining on a 15-3 run. VUSports recaps the action. (Photo: Kirby Lee, USA TODAY Sports) Villanova imploded in the final four minutes of a 86-76, NCAA Tournament loss to Utah State - allowing the Aggies to close a game that was knotted at 73 with 3:54 remaining on a 15-3 run.
Villanova Legends in the NBA 2025-26 Week 22
(Photo: Kirby Lee, USA TODAY Sports) Nine Villanova Wildcat legends are on NBA rosters at this point in the 2025-26 NBA season. Here is a look at their contracts, statistics and composite schedule for the coming week (data/stats per spotrac.com, nba.com, basketball-reference.com): Saddiq Bey, 6-8, Forward, New Orleans Pelicans, #41 Guaranteed $19,000.000. Salary of $6,118,644 for 2025-26. Three year deal. FA for 2027-28 season.
Villanova earns 8 Seed in 2026 NCAA Tournament, will play Utah State
The Cats will face #9 Seed, Utah State in San Diego on March 20th with the winner playing the winner of #1 Seed Arizona vs. #16 LIU. (Photo: Kyle Ross, USA TODAY Sports) Villanova returns to the NCAA Tournament for the first time since advancing to the 2022 Final Four. After a three year absence, the Cats will appear in the tournament for the 42nd time in program history.
Georgetown slaps 'Nova out of Big East Tournament, 78-64
(Photo: Brad Penner, USA TODAY Sports) Villanova (24-8) struggled at both ends of the court in a resounding, 78-64 loss to Georgetown in the Big East Tournament Quarterfinals on Thursday night at Madison Square Garden. The loss might very well relegate the Cats to an eight or nine seed in the NCAA Tournament after tracking towards a seven for about the last month.
Villanova vs. Georgetown in BET Quarterfinals preview
(Photo: Kyle Ross, USA TODAY Sports) Game Facts: Thursday, 12 March, 9:30 PM tip, Madison Square Garden, New York, New York TV: FS1 (Play-by-Play: Gus Johnson, Analyst: Bill Raftery, Sidelines: Allison Williams) Radio: Villanova IHeart Radio Network / Fox Sports Radio Philadelphia (Play-by-Play: Ryan Fannon; Analyst: Whitey Rigsby) All-Time Series: Villanova leads 53-47 Last Meeting: Villanova 80 Georgetown 73 (February,7th, 2026) Last Georgetown win: Georgetown 75 Villanova 73 (March 4th,...
Villanova Legends in the NBA 2025-26 Week 21
(Photo: Mark J. Rebilas, USA TODAY Sports) Eight Villanova Wildcat legends are on NBA rosters at this point in the 2025-26 NBA season. Here is a look at their contracts, statistics and composite schedule for the coming week (data/stats per spotrac.com, nba.com, basketball-reference.com): Saddiq Bey, 6-8, Forward, New Orleans Pelicans, #41 Guaranteed $19,000.000. Salary of $6,118,644 for 2025-26. Three year deal. FA for 2027-28 season.
Cats close regular season with 91-78 win over Xavier
(Photo: Kyle Ross, USA TODAY Sports) Villanova (24-7, 15-5 Big East) closed out regular season play with a business-like, 91-78 victory over Xavier at the Finneran Pavilion on Saturday afternoon. 'Nova played quite well on offense against a Musketeer squad which struggles defensively. Villanova did a great job sharing the basketball and shot it well from all three levels (71% 2PFG, 41.9% 2PFG and 88.9% FT) on the way to posted 44 points in the opening half and 47 during the second twenty.
Villanova dominates second half in 76-57 win at DePaul
(Photo: Steven Branscombe, USA TODAY Sports) In the first Wildcat game since the loss of starting forward, Matthew Hodge to injury for the remainder of the season, Villanova (23-7, 14-5 Big East) got huge contributions from their most experienced players and rode a 50-point, second half scoring outburst to a convincing, 76-57 Big East road win at DePaul.
St. John's steamrolls 'Nova, 89-57
(Photo: Wendell Cruz, USA TODAY Sports) Villanova (22-7, 13-5 Big East) was out-played in every facet of the game by St. John's at Madison Square Garden on Saturday evening in a resounding, 89-57 loss. After getting drilled by UConn on Wednesday night by 32 points, the Red Storm bounced back and gave Villanova a similar beat down.
Villanova at St. John's preview
(Photo: Bill Streicher, USA TODAY Sports) Game Facts: Saturday, 28 February, 8:00 p.m. tip, Madison Square Garden, New York, New York TV: FOX (Play-by-Play: Gus Johnson, Analyst: Jim Jackson, Sidelines: Allison Williams) Radio: Villanova IHeart Radio Network / Fox Sports Radio Philadelphia (Play-by-Play: Ryan Fannon; Analyst: Whitey Rigsby) All-Time Series: St. John's Leads 68-67 Last Meeting: St. John's 86 Villanova 79 (January 17th, 2026) Last Villanova win: Villanova 73 St. John's 71...
Villanova spurts past Butler, 82-73
(Photo: Bill Streicher, USA TODAY Sports) Villanova (22-6, 13-4 Big East) stumbled through a stretch in the second half but recovered in fine fashion in the closing seven minutes of the game to secure a needed, 82-73, Big East conference home win over Butler and maintain their course toward a potential NCAA Tournament bid. The Cats played well at both ends of the court in the first half to grab a fourteen-point, 42-28 lead at the break.
VUSports Live Chat: Villanova vs. Butler
VUSports Live Chat: Villanova vs. Butler Join the VUSports Live Chat for the game between Villanova and Butler on Wednesday (7:00 pm, FS1). Join the VUSports Live Chat for the game between Villanova and Butler on Wednesday (7:00 pm, FS1). Please do not log on as a generic "guest" - please enter your VUSports 'Nova Nation nickname/handle or similar. Generic guests will be muted/banned if they exhibit "trolling behaviors".
Brennan leads 'Nova to key road win at Creighton, 80-69
(Photo: Steven Branscombe, USA TODAY Sports) A strong, 21 point, 12 rebound double-double performance from Duke Brennan led Villanova (20-5, 11-3 Big East) to a road, Big East conference win at Creighton, 80-69 on Saturday afternoon. Villanova established the tone early in the game on the defensive end of the court - holding the Bluejays to only seven points scored over the first ten minutes of action.
VUSports Live Chat: Villanova at Creighton
VUSports Live Chat: Villanova at Creighton Join the VUSports Live Chat for the game between Villanova and Creighton on Saturday (2:30 pm, FOX). Join the VUSports Live Chat for the game between Villanova and Creighton on Saturday (2:30 pm, FOX). Please do not log on as a generic "guest" - please enter your VUSports 'Nova Nation nickname/handle or similar. Generic guests will be muted/banned if they exhibit "trolling behaviors".
Villanova sneaks past Marquette, 77-74
(Photo: Kyle Ross, USA TODAY Sports) Tyler Perkins stepped up big-time late in the game to lead Villanova (19-5, 10-3 Big East) to a narrow victory over Marquette, 77-74, at the Finneran Pavilion on Tuesday night. The Cats played a good portion of the first half like a team that looked fully capable of establishing a good working margin lead and, as they have done consistently through the season to date, holding that margin over time.
VUSports Live Chat: Villanova vs. Marquette
VUSports Live Chat: Villanova vs. Marquette Join the VUSports Live Chat for the game between Villanova and Marquette on Tuesday (7:30 pm, TNT/TruTV). Join the VUSports Live Chat for the game between Villanova and Marquette on Tuesday (7:30 pm, TNT/TruTV). Please do not log on as a generic "guest" - please enter your VUSports 'Nova Nation nickname/handle or similar. Generic guests will be muted/banned if they exhibit "trolling behaviors".
VUSports Live Chat: Villanova at Georgetown
VUSports Live Chat: Villanova at Georgetown Join the VUSports Live Chat for the game between Villanova and Georgetown on Saturday (Noon, TNT/TruTV). Join the VUSports Live Chat for the game between Villanova and Georgetown on Saturday (Noon, TNT/TruTV). Please do not log on as a generic "guest" - please enter your VUSports 'Nova Nation nickname/handle or similar. Generic guests will be muted/banned if they exhibit "trolling behaviors".
Villanova at Georgetown preview
(Photo: Kyle Ross, USA TODAY Sports) Game Facts: Saturday, 07 February, Noon.
Cats sweep the Hall with 72-60 victory at the Finn
(Photo: Kyle Ross, USA TODAY Sports) Villanova (17-5, 8-3 Big East) finished off a regular season series sweep of Seton Hall by sailing past the Pirates to a 72-60 victory on Wednesday night at "the Finn". The Cats are in need of more quality wins for their NCAA resume and notched one this evening by defeating a Pirate team that is solidly on the bubble with a NET ranking of 49.
VUSports Live Chat: Villanova vs. Seton Hall
VUSports Live Chat: Villanova vs. Seton Hall Join the VUSports Live Chat for the game between Villanova and Seton Hall on Wednesday (6:30 p.m., Peacock). Join the VUSports Live Chat for the game between Villanova and Seton Hall on Wednesday (6:30 p.m., Peacock). Please do not log on as a generic "guest" - please enter your VUSports 'Nova Nation nickname/handle or similar. Generic guests will be muted/banned if they exhibit "trolling behaviors".
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