Villanova basketball will play the University of Virginia (UVA) in the Hall of Fame Series on Friday, Nov. 15.
General Information:
Teams: Villanova (2-2) and Virginia (2-0)
Tip-Off Time: 5 p.m.
Watch: TNT
Listen: Villanova Sports Radio Network
What to know about Virginia
UVA leads the all-time series against Villanova, 5-3.
The Cavaliers are off to an undefeated start in the post-Tony Bennett era. Bennett stepped down right before the beginning of the season after 15 seasons as head coach.
Assistant coach Ron Sanchez has taken the role of interim head coach.
Freshman guard Jacob Cofie is off to a hot start, averaging a team-high 13.5 points, 8.5 rebounds and 1.5 assists. Cofie has come off the bench in the Cavaliers’ games and still leads the team in average points and rebounds.
The 6-foot-10 forward pairs well in the frontcourt alongside junior forward Elijah Saunders.
Saunders has averaged 13 points, shooting 58.8% on field goals, and 5 rebounds.
The Cavaliers will face the toughest opponent so far in their non-conference schedule.
Latest on Villanova basketball
The last time the two teams faced off, Donte DiVincenzo won the game for the Wildcats with a tip-in layup at the buzzer. Villanova beat UVA, 61-59, on Jan. 29, 2017, in the Wells Fargo Center.
Freshman forward Matthew Hodge’s appeal to the NCAA over eligibility was denied by the board. Hodge is forced to redshirt for the entire 2024 season. He will still be allowed to practice and travel with the team.
Graduate forward Eric Dixon is proving to be a top player in the country and is a bright spot amongst a struggling Villanova team. Through his three games, Dixon is averaging 26.3 points, 8.3 points, and 1.7 assists.
Dixon has one double-double and was a rebound against Saint Joe’s shy of having two. He is crucial for the Wildcats’ ability to stay competitive in any game.
Villanova basketball has now lost two games to mid-majors (Columbia and Saint’ Joe’s).
Changes need to be made in the practice gym if Villanova wants to bounce back and win against UVA, a team that appeared in March Madness last season.