Busting Brackets
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Villanova Basketball: 2019-20 season recap of the Wildcats

By David Mullen

VILLANOVA, PA - DECEMBER 30: A general view of Finneran Pavilion prior to the game between the Xavier Musketeers and Villanova Wildcats on December 30, 2019 in Villanova, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
VILLANOVA, PA - DECEMBER 30: A general view of Finneran Pavilion prior to the game between the Xavier Musketeers and Villanova Wildcats on December 30, 2019 in Villanova, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /
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PHILADELPHIA, PA – FEBRUARY 01: Jeremiah Robinson-Earl #24 and Justin Moore #5 of the Villanova Wildcats (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA – FEBRUARY 01: Jeremiah Robinson-Earl #24 and Justin Moore #5 of the Villanova Wildcats (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /

Biggest moments of the season

Despite the NCAA having a wild season where rankings change dramatically from week to week, Villa nova was able to jump into the top 10 for eight weeks. Their highest ranking in the Associated Press Poll came on January 27th when ‘Nova was ranked the number eight team in the country. Their number eight ranking was preceded by seven straight wins to start 2020 including wins over Butler and Providence. However, the high point of their season was quickly followed by their low point; three straight losses to Creighton, Butler and Seton Hall.

The loss to Creighton was particularly devastating for a Wildcats team who thought they would continue their success. It was devastating because ‘Nova is coming off of its higher ranking and not only did they lose but they lost by a whopping 15 points. It was a game in which the length of the season took its toll on some younger players such as Jeremiah Robinson-Earl.

Robinson-Earl, a freshman, was playing in his 21st game at that point in the season and gave the Wildcats a nothing burger. The freshman was 0-5 from 2-point range and 0-2 from 3-point range. He followed that poor performance with another poor performance against Butler by going 20-6 from the field with only nine points. It was probably expected but Robinson-Earl was anything but consistent in his first season of college basketball.

He started out his career with a 24 point game and would only reach or exceed 20 points in a game one more time; 17 days later. Robinson-Earl’s stat sheet is filled with single-digit scoring games but he also made a run of six games scoring in double figures. The talent is there and Jay Wright needs to harness it. If he does, Robinson-Earl will be a force in the Big East.