Villanova Basketball 2023-24 Game Preview: Penn Quakers

Get ready for an intense matchup as the Villanova Wildcats (2-0) head to the Palestra to take on the Penn Quakers (2-1) in a revamped Big 5 contest on Monday night at 7 pm EST. This season marks the first time Drexel will participate in the Big 5, leading to a shift from the traditional round-robin format to a soccer tournament-style setup.

The New-Look Big 5

With the addition of a sixth team, the Big 5 now somewhat misleadingly comprises six teams, necessitating a new moniker. The teams are divided into two pods, with each team playing the other two teams in their pod at their respective on-campus arenas. The Big 5 Classic, a triple-header event at the Wells Fargo Center scheduled for December 2, will feature all six teams. The first seeds from each pod will compete for the championship, the second-place teams for third place, and the third seeds for fifth place in the Big 5.

Villanova’s pod includes Penn and St. Joe’s this season. St. Joe’s kicked off Big 5 play with a 69-61 victory over Penn, securing a lead that the Hawks maintained throughout most of the game. The Quakers, however, made a strong comeback, narrowing the gap to just two points with under four minutes remaining.

Guards on Guards

Penn’s roster features an exceptional lineup of guards, showcasing a shift towards a more balanced team following the departure of star player Jordan Dingle. The Quakers’ offense, characterized by its free-flowing motion, is spearheaded by senior guard Clark Slajchert, who is averaging 17.3 points per game across the first three games.

Surprisingly, freshman Tyler Perkins has emerged as one of the Quakers’ most versatile players, excelling in scoring, rebounds, assists, and steals, despite only having played three NCAA games so far.

Transfer Portal Magic

After a challenging season, the Wildcats have made a remarkable comeback, largely attributed to their success in the transfer portal. The four players they acquired seamlessly integrated into Villanova’s playstyle and embodied the team’s culture perfectly.

Standout performers among the new additions include Tyler Burton and T.J. Bamba. Burton, in his final year of eligibility, has been a relentless force for Villanova, averaging 12.5 points and 10 rebounds per game in the first two matches.

Bamba, with an additional year of eligibility remaining, is currently the team’s second-leading scorer with an average of 14.5 points per game, demonstrating his value as a floor general and his impressive shooting from the three-point range.

Bring on the Quakers

Villanova’s season has started on a positive note with comfortable victories, showcasing a well-rounded, healthy, and capable team. Despite facing weaker opponents initially, the team’s performance indicates a strong return for Villanova basketball.