Dixon leads Villanova past No. 19 Creighton 79-67
February 25, 2023 GMTPHILADELPHIA (AP) — Eric Dixon scored 18 of his career-high 31 points in the first half, Cam Whitmore added 17 and Villanova defeated No. 19 Creighton 79-67 on Saturday.
Dixon also set a career high with six 3-pointers for Villanova (15-14, 9-9 Big East), which has won five of six.
Jay Wright at ease leaving Nova after ‘fighting it’ as coach
December 6, 2022 GMTVILLANOVA, Pa. (AP) — Jay Wright settled in a booth at the restaurant across the street from the basketball gym he called home for two decades and the cheerful waitress quizzed him at lunch if he had dined here before.
Whitmore sparks Villanova past Oklahoma in fantastic debut
December 3, 2022 GMTPHILADELPHIA (AP) — Cam Whitmore only touched a basketball a few times over seven weeks because of a broken thumb that delayed the start of his career that already seemed set as a brief one at Villanova.
Villanova’s 1st-year coach Kyle Neptune learning on the job
November 19, 2022 GMTEAST LANSING, Mich. (AP) — Kyle Neptune looks young enough to suit up for a basketball team instead of wearing a blue suit with a V-neck shirt as Villanova's first-year coach.
Villanova wins in 1st game without Wright; Neptune in charge
November 8, 2022 GMTVILLANOVA, Pa. (AP) — Kyle Neptune did not get a chance to catch up with his Hall of Fame predecessor on the day he made his Villanova coaching debut. Neptune had a game to try and win and pleasantries with anyone — even a two-time national champion such as Jay Wright — would have to wait.
Jay Wright will be studio analyst during NCAA Tournament
October 27, 2022 GMTJay Wright will be in the midst of the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament. The biggest difference now is the former Villanova coach gets to enjoy it a lot more.
CBS Sports and Warner Brothers Discovery Sports announced on Thursday that Wright will be a studio analyst during March Madness on CBS, TBS, TNT and truTV.
Villanova moves on from Wright with former assistant Neptune
October 21, 2022 GMTVILLANOVA, Pa. (AP) — Jay Wright famously mouthed “bang” after Kris Jenkins won the 2016 national championship on a buzzer beater.
Tom Izzo’s unranked Michigan State team faces tough tests
October 20, 2022 GMTEAST LANSING, Mich. (AP) — Tom Izzo insists he has no plans to call it a career anytime soon.
The Hall of Fame coach, who turns 68 in January, is entering his 28th season in charge of Michigan State's program and his energy level hasn't missed a beat.
Villanova-Michigan St highlight Gavitt Games in BEast-BTen
July 1, 2022 GMTNEW YORK (AP) — Coming off a Final Four appearance, Villanova and new coach Kyle Neptune will face Tom Izzo's Michigan State in one of the major attractions of the seventh Gavitt Tipoff Games.
The Big East and Big Ten Conferences announced the eight men’s basketball contests on Friday.
Neptune ready to keep Villanova elite as Wright’s successor
April 28, 2022 GMTPHILADELPHIA (AP) — Jay Wright patted his chest in appreciation of the cheering crowd before he threw a first pitch to Phillies manager Joe Girardi.
Coach retirements, NIL create new college basketball world
April 26, 2022 GMTIt wasn’t hard to spot Roy Williams during his first year of retirement.
He visited arenas across the country for games, including every step of North Carolina’s wild ride to the NCAA championship game against Kansas, a matchup of two programs he once coached.
Wright cites lost ‘edge’ in surprise Villanova retirement
April 22, 2022 GMTVILLANOVA, Pa. (AP) — Jay Wright attended mass — as one does working at the only Augustinian Catholic university in the nation — and often found himself on his smartphone more than he was listening to the sermon.
Wright resigns as Villanova coach, Neptune takes over
April 21, 2022 GMTPHILADELPHIA (AP) — Jay Wright shocked college basketball Wednesday night with his immediate resignation at Villanova, the Big East program he led to two national championships and four Final Fours in a Hall of Fame career.
Villanova’s injured Moore gets warm welcome at Final Four
April 3, 2022 GMTNEW ORLEANS (AP) — An enduring image of the NCAA Final Four will be Villanova coach Jay Wright sitting on the bench with his arm around injured starting guard Justin Moore shortly before tip-off of the Wildcats' semifinal matchup against Kansas.
Villanova doomed by Kansas 3-pointers in Final Four loss
April 3, 2022 GMTNEW ORLEANS (AP) — Villanova needed Justin Moore on offense, to add another scoring threat and spread the floor against Kansas' swarming interior defense. The Wildcats could have used him on defense, to rotate out on the Jayhawks' shooters and help dig down into the post.
Final Four sparks debate: What merits blueblood status?
April 2, 2022 GMTNEW ORLEANS (AP) — North Carolina has won six national championships and reached more Final Fours than any program in college basketball. Duke has claimed five titles under retiring coach Mike Krzyzewski and Kansas just surpassed Kentucky for the most wins in the history of the game on its way to the Final Four.
Final Four teams heavily recruit talent in their backyards
March 31, 2022 GMTNEW ORLEANS (AP) — The four blueblood programs that have descended upon the Superdome for the Final Four all have the ability to recruit on a national scale, their coaches able to hop aboard a jet on a moment's notice to sit in a living room or take in a game.
UNC’s Davis uses experience Final Four coaching giants lack
March 31, 2022 GMTNEW ORLEANS (AP) — North Carolina's Hubert Davis doesn't have the long history of sideline success as the rest of the coaches at this week's Final Four.
He's not worried about being the new coach on the block, either.
Villanova’s Gillespie latest guard in low post for Wildcats
March 31, 2022 GMTNEW ORLEANS (AP) — The post origination story, as Villanova coach Jay Wright recalls, began with Ryan Arcidiacono.
The 6-foot-3 point guard had a knack for posting up defenders, even bigger ones, so Wright started calling plays for him in the paint.
Whitmore, Whitehead lead East over West in McDonald’s game
March 30, 2022 GMTCHICAGO (AP) — Dariq Whitehead showed why he's headed to Duke and set to become part of the first freshman class since 1979 not to play under retiring Hall of Famer Mike Krzyzewski.
Cam Whitmore, meanwhile, put on a performance that should please Villanova coach Jay Wright.
Villanova’s Justin Moore has torn Achilles tendon
March 27, 2022 GMTVILLANOVA, Pa. (AP) — Villanova guard and second-leading scorer Justin Moore will undergo surgery this week for a torn Achilles tendon, a brutal blow for the Wildcats ahead of their Final Four game with Kansas.
Villanova to 7th Final Four, beats Houston 50-44 in South
March 27, 2022 GMTSAN ANTONIO (AP) — Villanova coach Jay Wright has won national championships with well-balanced and fundamentally sound teams, yet even he knew staying in contention for another title was going to take a rugged and exhaustive effort.
‘Nova shook off early season ‘bad spot’ in run to Elite 8
March 25, 2022 GMTSAN ANTONIO (AP) — Villanova began the season among the figurative favorites to reach the Final Four.
The Wildcats were ranked No. 4 and boasted a veteran roster that reached all the way back to the 2018 national championship season.
Samuels powers Villanova over Michigan 63-55 in Sweet 16
March 25, 2022 GMTSAN ANTONIO (AP) — The Villanova Wildcats have made quite a second home for themselves in the Alamo City, where they won a national championship in 2018 and are carving a path toward another.
Jermaine Samuels scored 22 points, Collin Gillespie scored 12 and made a key 3-pointer late, and Villanova controlled Michigan in a 63-55 Sweet 16 victory on Thursday night in the NCAA Tournament.
La Salle fires coach Ashley Howard after 4 difficult seasons
March 21, 2022 GMTPHILADELPHIA (AP) — La Salle fired coach Ashley Howard on Monday after four seasons without a winning record.
Howard, once a top assistant under Jay Wright at Villanova, went 45-71 in four seasons and finished 11-19 this season.
Weekend Sports in Brief
March 14, 2022 GMTMEN'S COLLEGE BASKETBALL
Any hoops fan hungering for a return to normal this March might have looked at the bracket when it finally came out and wondered what ever changed.
March Madness brings back feel of the good ol’ days
March 14, 2022 GMTAny hoops fan hungering for a return to normal this March might have looked at the bracket when it finally came out and wondered what ever changed.
Champs again: Villanova tops Creighton to win Big East title
March 13, 2022 GMTNEW YORK (AP) — While Collin Gillespie waited to twirl the souvenir net from atop a ladder he could not have climbed a year ago, he was spotted by another former Villanova star who knows how to win a championship game in crunch time.
No. 8 Villanova topples No. 20 UConn to make Big East final
March 12, 2022 GMTNEW YORK (AP) — Jermaine Samuels tossed up off-balance shots that fluttered through the net and 3s that had Villanova rocking. Brandon Slater may as well had his name in lights on the marquee with a block that will live in Big East lore.
Slater clutch, No. 8 Villanova rallies past St. John’s 66-65
March 11, 2022 GMTNEW YORK (AP) — After falling way behind, Villanova fought back and showed its championship pedigree.
St. John's reverted to form, too, coming up short in a close game.
That's why the Wildcats are still playing for prizes and the Red Storm are thinking NIT.
No. 11 Villanova cruises by Butler in regular-season finale
March 5, 2022 GMTINDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Justin Moore and No. 11 Villanova got defensive in their tune-up for the Big East Tournament.
Moore scored 16 points, Jermaine Samuels added 15 and the Wildcats broke away early to beat Butler 78-59 Saturday in their regular-season finale.
Daniels helps No. 11 Villanova top No. 9 Providence 76-74
March 2, 2022 GMTVILLANOVA, Pa. (AP) — If the shot-for-shot battle down the stretch between Providence and Villanova was a sneak peek of what's ahead in March, Madison Square Garden may be in for quite a show.
Caleb Daniels scored 20 points, Eric Dixon added 15 and Collin Gillespie 14 as No.
NBA Prospect Watch: ’Nova system preps Justin Moore for pros
February 23, 2022 GMTVillanova's Justin Moore has been one of the most dependable and productive guards in the Big East over three seasons and has developed in a program that produces guards capable of making smooth transitions to the pros.
Moore leads No. 10 Villanova to 74-66 win over Georgetown
February 20, 2022 GMTVILLANOVA, Pa. (AP) — Justin Moore couldn’t find the range in the first half, but he didn’t alter his approach.
Moore scored 15 of his 19 points in the second half to lead No. 10 Villanova to a 74-66 victory over Georgetown on Saturday.
Moore comes alive late, No. 15 Villanova edges Seton Hall
February 12, 2022 GMTPHILADELPHIA (AP) — Playing on injured ankles that has limited their capabilities, Justin Moore and Collin Gillespie stepped up when Villanova needed them most Saturday afternoon.
Moore scored 14 of his 16 points in the second half while Gillespie grabbed a critical offensive rebound inside the final minute to help the No.
Moore scores 16 to help No. 15 Villanova hold off St John’s
February 9, 2022 GMTNEW YORK (AP) — Collin Gillespie was able to play — he just couldn't score. And still Villanova hung on.
Barely.
Justin Moore scored 16 points on a sore ankle and the No. 15 Wildcats held off a furious late charge by St.
Dixon scores 24, No. 12 Villanova beats No. 17 UConn 85-74
February 5, 2022 GMTPHILADELPHIA (AP) — Collin Gillespie received a roaring ovation from nearly 19,000 fans when Villanova's leading scorer returned to the bench after a sprained right ankle sent him to the locker room.
No. 14 Villanova wins 6th in a row, routs Butler 82-42
January 16, 2022 GMTPHILADELPHIA (AP) — Collin Gillespie hit five 3-pointers and scored 17 points, and Justin Moore scored 15 points to lead No. 14 Villanova to its sixth straight win, 82-42 over Butler on Sunday.
The Wildcats (13-4, 6-1 Big East) are rolling again since dropping their conference opener and never let Butler get comfortable at the Wells Fargo Center.
No. 14 Villanova hits 12 3s in 82-42 romp over Butler
January 16, 2022 GMTPHILADELPHIA (AP) — Jay Wright heard hollering from the Villanova fans who lingered at a bar near his postgame news conference and the Hall of Fame coach needed a score update.
“Who's up?”
It was bad news for Wright — the Philadelphia Eagles were losing a playoff game.
No. 14 Villanova holds off No. 17 Xavier, 64-60
January 13, 2022 GMTCINCINNATI (AP) — Collin Gillespie scored 21 points, Justin Moore had 16 and No. 14 Villanova held off No. 17 Xavier 64-60 on Wednesday night.
Moore, the reigning Big East player of the week, scored 10 points in the second half and finished with nine rebounds to help the Wildcats (12-4, 5-1 Big East) win their fifth straight.
Moore, Samuels lead No. 19 Villanova to rout of Creighton
January 6, 2022 GMTVILLANOVA, Pa. (AP) — Villanova wasn’t going to get “out-toughed” this time.
Justin Moore scored 22 points and Jermaine Samuels added 18 to lead the 19th-ranked Wildcats to a 75-41 blowout of Creighton on Wednesday night.
No. 22 Villanova edges short-handed No. 15 Seton Hall 73-67
January 1, 2022 GMTNEWARK, N.J. (AP) — Villanova coach Jay Wright isn't a big fan of playing on New Year's Day. It takes away from celebrating the night before and facing a tough and physical Seton Hall is never fun, even when they are shorthanded.
Moore, Daniels lead No. 23 Villanova past No. 18 Xavier
December 22, 2021 GMTVILLANOVA, Pa. (AP) — Justin Moore scored 12 of his 17 points after halftime and Caleb Daniels added 16 points to lead No. 23 Villanova to a 71-58 victory over No. 18 Xavier on Tuesday night.
Collin Gillespie and Eric Dixon each had 15 points for the Wildcats (8-4, 1-1 Big East), who bounced back from consecutive blowout losses.
No. 2 Baylor poised for top after win over No. 6 Villanova
December 13, 2021 GMTWACO, Texas (AP) — James Akinjo had 16 points with seven rebounds and second-ranked Baylor defensively dominated No. 6 Villanova 57-36 on Sunday, a victory that’s likely to put the defending national champion Bears in the top spot in the new poll.
No. 2 Baylor primed for top after 57-36 win over No. 6 Nova
December 13, 2021 GMTWACO, Texas (AP) — No matter where Villanova guards Justin Moore and Collin Gillespie turned, there was another Baylor defender smothering them.
And now the defending national champion Bears are poised to be No.
Gillespie, Moore lead No. 6 Villanova past Saint Joe’s 81-52
December 4, 2021 GMTVILLANOVA, Pa. (AP) — Collin Gillespie scored 23 points to lead No. 6 Villanova to an 81-52 victory over Saint Joseph’s on Saturday.
Justin Moore added 16 points and Eric Dixon had 12 for the short-handed Wildcats (6-2), who won their 10th straight in a series dating to 1921 between the Big Five rivals that are separated by just seven miles.
No. 2 UCLA rallies to beat No. 4 Villanova 86-77
November 13, 2021 GMTLOS ANGELES (AP) — Two highly ranked teams and a raucous crowd packed into historic Pauley Pavilion sure made it seem like it was already March Madness.
It's not just yet, although No. 2 UCLA backed up its Final Four run last spring with an 86-77 overtime victory against fourth-ranked Villanova on Friday night.
No. 4 Villanova routs Mount St. Mary’s in opener, 91-51
November 10, 2021 GMTVILLANOVA, Pa. (AP) — Jay Wright pulled a stat sheet over toward Collin Gillespie and whispered at the star guard for No. 4 Villanova, pointing at a couple of gaudy numbers.
Gillespie and Justin Moore combined for 12 assists and no turnovers on Tuesday in a season-opening 91-51 win over Mount St.
Villanova’s Collin Gillespie heads list of notable seniors
October 28, 2021 GMTVillanova’s Collin Gillespie is ready to make the most of his second chance at a senior season.
Gillespie was the co-Big East player of the year last season but tore the medial collateral ligament in his left knee during a victory over Creighton that enabled Villanova to clinch the Big East regular-season championship.
Hall of Famer, Olympic coach Wright returns to loaded Nova
October 22, 2021 GMTVILLANOVA, Pa. (AP) — Jay Wright left for Japan on July 2 as a two-time national champion at Villanova and winner of enough coach of the year awards and Big East titles to fill several trophy cases.
Villanova tabbed to win Big East by conference coaches
October 19, 2021 GMTNEW YORK (AP) — Villanova has dominated the Big East over the last decade under the guidance of coach Jay Wright.
The fourth-ranked Wildcats were the unanimous choice to win the conference in a preseason coaches poll released Tuesday.
Pierce leads class of 16 into basketball Hall of Fame
September 10, 2021 GMTIf it didn’t really sink in when he slipped to the 10th pick in the 1998 NBA draft, Paul Pierce got the message when he went home to Los Angeles to play in the All-Star Game and got booed by his hometown fans.
1,000-game winner Magee not finished in Philly at 80
June 23, 2021 GMTPHILADELPHIA (AP) — Herb Magee turned 80 this week — a bit of a modest number compared to his 1,123 victories — and celebrated with good cheer from his coaching friends.
The Hall calls: Wright, Wallace, Griffith among 2021 class
May 16, 2021 GMTSPRINGFIELD, Mass. (AP) — Jay Wright used to sell tickets to games in the long-defunct United States Football League. Ben Wallace was passed over by every NBA team, some of them twice. Yolanda Griffith got a job repossessing cars so she could take care of herself and her infant daughter while playing community college basketball.
Fordham hires Villanova’s Neptune to revive men’s basketball
March 30, 2021 GMTNEW YORK (AP) — Fordham hired longtime Villanova assistant Kyle Neptune on Tuesday to take over a men's basketball program that has had only two winning seasons since joining the Atlantic 10 Conference in 1995...
Underdog ’Cats? Pick against Villanova at your own peril
March 24, 2021 GMTPHILADELPHIA (AP) — The odds are against Villanova making a run to the Elite Eight.
Well, at least among the bettors: Las Vegas has No...
Bulldogs show some bite in 73-61 win over No. 8 Villanova
February 28, 2021 GMTINDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Chuck Harris jump-started Butler's offense early. Jair Bolden delivered the finishing touch...
No. 3 Villanova edges Seton Hall in return from 27-day break
January 20, 2021 GMTVILLANOVA, Pa. (AP) — Stuck in medical isolation, Villanova filled its schedule with YouTube videos, FaceTime calls and video games to stay connected...
Villanova coach Wright gets 600th win in victory over Butler
December 17, 2020 GMTVILLANOVA, Pa. (AP) — Jay Wright flashed the “V” toward empty bleachers and then encountered a divine interception on his way to celebrate in the locker room...
Scheuer, Philly sports media denizen for decades, dies at 88
October 16, 2020 GMTPHILADELPHIA (AP) — Jack Scheuer, the go-to guy at courtside, on the field and in the press box, who covered Philadelphia sports from the days of Wilt Chamberlain to Bryce Harper for The Associated Press and other outlets, died Friday...
Gillespie scores 24, leads No. 16 ’Nova past Creighton 64-59
January 8, 2020 GMTOMAHA, Neb. (AP) — What Jay Wright called Villanova's best defensive performance of the season masked another poor offensive night for the 16th-ranked Wildcats...
No. 1 KU, No. 18 Villanova set to renew rivalry in Philly
December 21, 2019 GMTPHILADELPHIA (AP) — The Kansas vs. Villanova rivalry has become glorious to view for college hoops fans...
Lloyd Pierce replacing Nate McMillan on USA coaching staff
April 22, 2019 GMTAtlanta Hawks coach Lloyd Pierce has been added as an assistant coach for USA Basketball this summer, when the Americans will compete in the FIBA World Cup in China and try to qualify for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.