The highly anticipated Big 5 matchup is here, famously nicknamed the ‘Holy War,’ between Villanova basketball and St. Joe’s.
General Information:
Teams: Villanova (2-1) and Saint Joe’s (1-1)
Tip-Off Time: 5 p.m. EST
Watch: CBSSN
Listen: Villanova Sports Radio Network
What to know about Saint Joe’s
Saint Joe’s is coming off a big loss to Central Connecticut, 73-67, on Friday, Nov. 8.
Sophomore guard Xzayvier Brown commands the Hawks’ offense, averaging 19 points, five rebounds and four assists. The Philadelphia native was both the Atlantic 10 and Big 5 Rookie of the Year last season. Playing high school ball at Roman Catholic, he knows what it’s like to play under bright lights and big crowds.
Last season, Brown and the Hawks took down Villanova in the Finn, 78-65, marking the team’s first win over Villanova since Dec. 17, 2011. Brown scored 16 points off the bench.
Billy Lange is in his sixth season as the Hawks head coach. He replaced the infamous Phil Martelli after he retired following the 2018 season. Lange had his first winning season as head coach, recording a 21-14 overall record and a 9-9 Atlantic 10 record.
Saint Joe’s returns most of their scoring from last year. Senior Erik Reynolds II is averaging 17 points, 5.5 rebounds and 3.5 assists through the Hawks’ two games.
Junior Rasheer Fleming is averaging a double-double with 10.5 points and 10 rebounds.
Latest on Villanova basketball
Villanova is seeking revenge after losing to Saint Joe’s last season. The team did not win any of their Big 5 games last season and finshed sixth in the Big 5 Championship.
The Wildcats are coming off a 37-point win over NJIT on Friday, Nov. 8.
Graduate forward Eric Dixon is dominant through his two games, averaging 27.5 points, eight rebounds and two assists. In the Wildcats win over NJIT, Dixon posted a 22-point, 10-rebound double-double. Dixon is a key factor in Villanova’s ability to win games. Villanova coach Kyle Neptune views Dixon as one of if not the most versatile player in the nation.
Freshman Matthew Hodge was denied initial eligibility by the NCAA due to concerns with his studies while he lived in Belgium. Per school release, Villanova has submitted an appeal for reconsideration. The NCAA eligibility will make its final and binding decision on Wednesday, Nov. 13.
If the appeal is denied, Hodge will not be allowed to play this season and will be required to be an academic redshirt.