Villanova Triumphs in Women’s Big Five Classic Championship Victory

The Villanova Wildcats have clinched their first Women’s Big Five Classic Championship under the new format. They defeated the Saint Joseph’s Hawks 76-70 at the Finneran Pavilion.

This win marks Villanova’s 20th Big Five title overall. The game delivered a thrilling back-and-forth, with both teams staying neck and neck most of the way.

Junior forward Brynn McCurry took over, dropping a career-high tying 21 points and grabbing MVP honors. Her performance really tipped the scales for Villanova.

Key Moments of the Championship Game

The rivalry between Villanova and Saint Joseph’s always brings some serious intensity. This game was no different, with neither team ever really pulling away.

Villanova’s hot hand from deep changed everything. The Wildcats nailed 13 of 24 shots from beyond the arc—an eye-popping 54.2% clip.

Impactful Performances

Brynn McCurry stood out, scoring 21 points on 6 of 11 shooting. She also went a perfect 3 for 3 from deep and 6 for 6 at the foul line.

McCurry’s steady hand under pressure made all the difference. She led by example and kept Villanova steady when things got tense.

Freshman Brooke Bender stepped up, especially in the fourth quarter. Her three-pointers gave Villanova just enough cushion when they needed it most.

Kelsey Joens, Jasmine Bascoe, Kennedy Henry, and Ryann Allen all chipped in from long range too. Their shots kept the Wildcats’ offense humming.

Saint Joseph’s Resilient Effort

Saint Joseph’s didn’t back down. Rhian Stokes poured in a career-high 23 points, hitting 6 of 13 from the field and going 7 for 7 at the line.

She also dished out a career-best 6 assists, sparking several runs for the Hawks. Stokes’ playmaking kept her team in it again and again.

Other Key Players

Gabby Casey came through with 19 points, 4 assists, 4 steals, and 8 rebounds. She did a little bit of everything on both ends.

Danae Carter added 10 points and led her squad with 8 rebounds. The Hawks leaned on their grit and hustle all night.

End of Game Highlights

The contest stayed tight until the final minutes. With 5:35 left, Casey drilled a three-pointer to cut Villanova’s lead to 65-63.

But Villanova answered right away—Bascoe scored, Bender hit a clutch three, and McCurry sank two free throws. Suddenly, it was 72-63 with under a minute left, and the Wildcats had it in hand.

Coaches’ Insights

Coach Denise Dillon talked about how her team stayed locked in the whole way. That focus really showed in the clutch moments.

On the Saint Joseph’s side, Coach Cindy Griffin pointed out their struggles defending the three-point line. Opponents have been taking advantage, and she knows it’s something they’ve got to fix.

Statistical Breakdown

The stats tell the story. Villanova’s three-point shooting was a huge factor—they went 13 of 24 from deep.

Saint Joseph’s shot well too, making 8 of 16 from long range, but they just couldn’t match Villanova’s firepower. That edge from beyond the arc proved decisive.