A Contentious History
The rivalry between Saint Joseph’s University and Villanova University is a time-honored tradition that has captivated basketball fans for decades. Located just a few miles apart in the Greater Philadelphia area, these two Jesuit institutions have clashed on the hardwood countless times, creating an intense atmosphere that transcends the confines of the court.
Early Dominance by Saint Joseph’s
The seeds of the rivalry were sown in the early 20th century. Saint Joseph’s emerged as a basketball powerhouse in the 1930s under the legendary coach Phil Marcone. They won their first NCAA Division I National Championship in 1935, becoming the first team from the Philadelphia area to achieve such a feat.
Saint Joseph’s continued to dominate the matchup with Villanova in the early years, compiling a 13-6 record between 1929 and 1942. However, Villanova slowly gained ground in the postwar era, eventually surpassing their rivals in terms of overall success.
Villanova’s Rise to Prominence
Villanova began to assert their dominance in the 1950s and 1960s under coach Jack Kraft. They won their first NCAA Tournament title in 1966, dethroning Saint Joseph’s as the top team in Philadelphia. Villanova’s success continued in the 1970s under Rollie Massimino, who led the Wildcats to the NCAA Championship in 1985.
A Series of Memorable Clashes
Over the years, Saint Joseph’s and Villanova have engaged in some of the most memorable games in college basketball history. In 1986, Villanova upset the heavily favored Hawks, who possessed a 29-game home winning streak, in a triple-overtime thriller. Two years later, Saint Joseph’s avenged that loss with a triple-overtime victory of their own.
The rivalry reached new heights in 2016, when Villanova defeated Saint Joseph’s in the NCAA Tournament Elite Eight en route to winning the National Championship. The Hawks returned the favor the following year, beating the Wildcats in the NCAA Tournament Second Round.
Statistical Comparison
A statistical comparison of the two teams’ performances highlights the intensity of the rivalry:
| Category | Saint Joseph’s | Villanova |
|---|---|---|
| All-Time Record | 61-74 | 74-61 |
| NCAA Tournament Record | 13-14 | 35-13 |
| National Championships | 2 | 3 |
| Big 5 Championships | 29 | 21 |
Key Matchups to Watch for
The rivalry between Saint Joseph’s and Villanova is expected to continue at a high level for years to come. Here are some key matchups to watch for in the future:
Conference Play
Saint Joseph’s and Villanova are both members of the Atlantic 10 Conference, which means they face each other twice every regular season. These matchups are always highly anticipated and typically generate a great deal of excitement.
Big 5 Tournament
The Big 5 Tournament is an annual event that pits the five Division I basketball teams from the Philadelphia area (Saint Joseph’s, Villanova, Temple, Penn, and La Salle) against each other. The tournament has been held since 1955 and is one of the most competitive college basketball tournaments in the country. Saint Joseph’s and Villanova have won the most Big 5 Tournament titles, with 29 and 21 championships, respectively.
NCAA Tournament
Saint Joseph’s and Villanova have met in the NCAA Tournament on six occasions, with the Wildcats holding a 4-2 advantage. The most recent meeting occurred in the 2017 NCAA Tournament Second Round, which Saint Joseph’s won 76-61.
Strategies for Success
Both Saint Joseph’s and Villanova have developed distinct strategies for success in their rivalry:
Saint Joseph’s
- Physicality: The Hawks often rely on their size and strength to out-rebound and out-muscle their opponents.
- Defense: Saint Joseph’s prides itself on playing tough defense, forcing turnovers and contesting shots.
- Experience: The Hawks have a history of success in the rivalry, which can give them an edge in close games.
Villanova
- Quickness: The Wildcats use their speed and athleticism to create scoring opportunities in transition and off the dribble.
- Three-Point Shooting: Villanova is known for its potent three-point shooting, which can help them open up the floor and create space for other players.
- Discipline: The Wildcats are a well-coached team that rarely makes mistakes, which can be crucial in close games.
FAQs
1. Which team has the better overall record in the rivalry?
Villanova holds the overall advantage with a 74-61 record.
2. Who has won the most recent matchup?
Saint Joseph’s won the most recent matchup, a 76-61 victory in the 2017 NCAA Tournament Second Round.
3. Which team has won the most NCAA Championships?
Villanova has won three NCAA Championships, while Saint Joseph’s has won two.
4. When was the first meeting between the two teams?
Saint Joseph’s and Villanova first met on January 14, 1929.