Villanova Basketball Nonconference Schedules Announced for Men and Women

Villanova University just dropped the nonconference schedules for both its men’s and women’s basketball teams. Fans and analysts are buzzing about the new matchups and the return of old rivalries.

The Wildcats look ready for a wild ride this season. Here’s a closer look at what’s coming for both teams as they get set for a packed schedule.

Men’s Basketball: New Beginnings and Classic Clashes

The Villanova men’s basketball team is stepping into a new chapter with head coach Kevin Willard at the helm. They’ll start things off with a couple of preseason exhibitions, which should give us a first real glimpse of what’s in store.

Preseason Exhibitions

The men’s team hosts Virginia Commonwealth at home on October 19 at 5 p.m. Not long after, they’ll travel to Virginia for a game on October 24 at 7 p.m.

Coach Willard will use these exhibitions to get a sense of his squad’s strengths and what still needs work. It’s early, but you can already feel the energy building.

Hall of Fame Series in Las Vegas

The official season opener lands on November 3 in Las Vegas. Villanova faces Brigham Young in the Hall of Fame Series, and this one’s already drawing a lot of attention.

That’s a tough test right out of the gate, but maybe that’s exactly what this group needs.

Villanova Challenge

After Vegas, the Wildcats come back home to host the Villanova Challenge at the Finneran Pavilion. Here’s the lineup:

• Queens College: November 8
• Sacred Heart: November 11
• Duquesne: November 15

These games bring a range of competition, which should help the team find its rhythm. It’s a good chance to iron out some wrinkles before things get more intense.

Big 5 Classic and Other Key Matchups

November’s packed. The Wildcats kick off Big 5 Classic pod play at La Salle on November 19. They’ll face Old Dominion at home on November 25, then another Big 5 matchup with Temple on December 1.

The Big 5 Classic wraps up on December 6 at the Wells Fargo Center. December doesn’t slow down either:

• Michigan: December 9 in Ann Arbor
• Pittsburgh: December 13 at home
• Wisconsin: December 19 in the Milwaukee Hoops Showdown

These games against some serious opponents are going to push Villanova and show us what they’re made of.

Women’s Basketball: Building on Last Season

The Villanova women’s basketball team also has an intriguing nonconference slate. They’ll open the season with a string of home games, which could really help them gel early on.

Home Games to Start the Season

The women’s team launches their season against Towson on October 24 at 6 p.m. That’s just the beginning of five straight home games at the Finneran Pavilion.

• Lafayette: November 3 at 7 p.m.
• Fairfield: November 5 at 7 p.m.
• VCU: November 9 at 2 p.m.
• Princeton: November 12 at 7 p.m.

The Princeton matchup stands out, especially after last season’s 71-60 loss. You get the sense there’s a little extra motivation there.

On the Road

After that home stretch, the Wildcats hit the road to play James Madison on November 16. The game time’s still up in the air, but it’s a good early test away from home.

Big 5 Pod Play and Final Matchups

Villanova starts Big 5 pod play against Temple on November 22 at 7 p.m. Next up is a trip to La Salle on November 25 at 6 p.m.

The nonconference schedule winds down with a road game at West Virginia on December 1. Time’s still TBA, but it should be a challenging finish.

The second annual women’s Big 5 Classic lands on December 7. Expect some fierce competition as the Wildcats get ready for conference play.