Two of the “big five” Philadelphia based schools St. Joe’s and No. 4 Villanova will face off in part of a unique multi-school rivalry for basketball supremacy in the city. Who will win this round between these teams?
TV schedule: Saturday, Dec. 2, 5:30 p.m. ET. ESPN2
Arena: Hagan Arena in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Villanova (7-0) will be taking on the second “big five” school this week after dispatching the University of Pennsylvania earlier this week, 90-62. Five Wildcats scored in double figures, including Jalen Brunson with 17 points and seven rebounds. He along with Mikal Bridges have been the catalyst for the offense, averaging 18.4 ppg and 17.9 ppg respectively.
Other players have contributed for Jay Wright’s offense, including freshman Omari Spellman and Fordham transfer Eric Paschall on the frontcourt — sixth man Donte Divincenzo consistently provides a spark when he comes into the game, too.
They take on a St. Joe’s (4-3) team who’s coming off a good win over a solid Bucknell squad, 83-70. The two guys who’ve been leading the Hawks all year did so again, with seniors Shavar Newkirk and James Demery combining for 39 points together in the win. It’s right along their combined season average of 34 ppg, split between the two of them.
Almost a year to this day, it was a then undefeated and top-ranked Villanova who crushed the Hawks, 88-57, after scoring 44 in both halves. Newkirk had just 11 points in 33 minutes for St. Joe’s, as Josh Hart got a triple-double in the game.
For this season, St. Joe’s had a chance to truly compete for the upper half of the A-10, but the injury bug hit once again — this time taking out Lamarr Kimble for the season. Last year it was Newkirk.
Next: Cincy-Xavier by the positions
Villanova has been the dominant team in the city for recent history, and it looks like that won’t change. However, these games have historically been tricky, as anything can happen. As long as the Wildcats take this game seriously, they should be fine in this one.
Prediction: Villanova 86 – St. Joe’s 67