Virginia vs Villanova: 2024-25 college basketball game preview, TV schedule
Both Virginia and Villanova could use a win this weekend. Which one will come out on top in a neutral site matchup?
TV schedule: Friday, 5:00 pm ET. TNT
Arena: CFG Bank Arena in Baltimore, Maryland
For two programs who are unranked to start the season, Villanova (2-2) and Virginia (2-0) are two teams that have been in the headlines, mainly for coaching reasons. Wildcats HC Kyle Neptune is one one of the hotter seats in the country, already with losses to Columbia and St. Joe's.
The most recent loss came at St. Joe's on Tuesday, falling 83-76. Erix Dixon, the team's star, had 24 points and nine rebounds, while Jhamir Brickus had 22 points on 9/15 shooting from the field. Wooga Poplar, who is averaging 15 ppg through four games, had 13 in the game, and Jordan Longino gives them a group of four as the offensive focal points.
The problem for Villanova is that the defense hasn't been there, giving up 73 ppg. But they may be in luck, taking on one of the slowest-paced teams in the country in Virginia. The Cavaliers are led by interim coach Ron Sanchez, taking over after Tony Bennett abruptly retired before the start of the season.
So far, UVA has held steady, beating Coppin State by 17 points and Campbell by nine, though they didn't score more than 65 points in either game. One nice bright spot so far has been Jacob Cofie, the 6'10 freshman forward who leads the team with 27 total points in two games. Veterans Elijah Saunders and Isaac McKneely have been double-digit scorers, while Duke transfer TJ Power (6 points in 2 games) has gotten off to a slow start.
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This is a matchup where Dixon should dominate statistically. But having fewer possessions could work in Virginia's favor. It's a game where Villanova needs badly and a loss would put them down a big hole in the postseason. It's Coach Sanchez's first big game with the Cavaliers too and against a much better foe. Look for Nova to get the win and avoid more hot-seat talk for the time being.
Prediction: Villanova 70, Virginia 61