Villanova men’s basketball hosts Holy Cross in its home opener Friday, Nov. 6, at 7 p.m. at Finneran Pavilion. The game will stream on ESPN+, according to Villanova Athletics.
The Wildcats enter 0–1 after losing 74–72 to Notre Dame in Rome on Sunday, Nov. 1. Holy Cross also lost its regular-season opener, falling 103–59 at Rhode Island on Tuesday.
Villanova coach Kevin Willard identified turnovers and offensive rebounding as problems after the Rome game. The Wildcats committed 20 turnovers, including 15 before halftime, and allowed 17 offensive rebounds. Notre Dame finished with a 16–11 edge in second-chance points, the university reported.
According to Villanova’s game recap, the Wildcats led 35–31 at halftime and 46–36 early in the second half. Notre Dame closed with a 21–12 run to turn a 60–53 deficit into a two-point win.
Tyler Perkins led Villanova with 18 points before fouling out. Elijah Crawford added 12 points and Jake Fiegen scored 11. Kwame Evans Jr., returning after a leg injury kept him out of the exhibitions, contributed seven points and seven rebounds in 22 minutes off the bench.
Holy Cross is coached by Dave Paulsen. The Crusaders finished 11–22 last season and ninth in the Patriot League, according to The Villanovan’s matchup preview. That report said returning scorer Joe Nugent, who averaged 11.8 points last season, would miss the opening months while recovering from an Achilles injury.
The student newspaper also highlighted Division II transfers Arius Alijosius, formerly of Lewis, and Kole Hanson, formerly of Minnesota Duluth, as additions to the Crusaders’ backcourt.
Friday is the programs’ fourth meeting and their first since 1968. Villanova leads the series 2–1, according to the university’s preview. The Wildcats have won their past seven home openers since the renovated Finneran Pavilion opened in 2018.
A schedule-poster giveaway is planned for the home opener, according to Villanova’s game-day announcement.
