Sports
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Villanova Faces Colorado in NCAA Tournament
Villanova Wildcats Face Colorado Buffaloes in College Basketball Crown Tournament
LAS VEGAS – The Villanova Wildcats will face the Colorado Buffaloes in the first round of the inaugural College Basketball Crown tournament on Tuesday at 8:30 p.m. ET on FS1. The game, taking place in Las Vegas, marks the continuation of Villanova’s 2024-25 season following their early exit from the Big East tournament and the subsequent coaching changes.
Interim head coach Mike Nardi will lead the Wildcats against Colorado. The team's season has been marked by significant upheaval, including the firing of Kyle Neptune and the high-profile hiring and subsequent departure of Kevin Willard from the University of Maryland. Despite the off-court turmoil, the Wildcats will enter the tournament with a key incentive: forward Eric Dixon's pursuit of the Villanova all-time scoring record.
Dixon, the nation's leading scorer this season with an average of 23 points per game, needs just nine points to surpass Kerry Kittles’ long-standing record of 2,244 points. This achievement would be particularly notable given the circumstances. Dixon, playing his fifth season due to the pandemic eligibility extension, has amassed 2,235 points in a program-record 159 games, exceeding even Kittles' 122 games played. While some may criticize the context of breaking the record in a post-season tournament, Dixon remains focused on the accomplishment. He emphasized his dedication and hard work throughout his career, dismissing any concerns about asterisks. His teammates, including senior forward Jordan Longino, expressed their support and admiration for Dixon's dedication and talent, highlighting his commitment to the team during the recent period of transition. The team's participation in the College Basketball Crown offers not only a chance for a postseason run but also a historic opportunity for Dixon. A win against Colorado would advance Villanova to the quarterfinals against the winner of the Tulane-USC matchup.
LAS VEGAS – The Villanova Wildcats will face the Colorado Buffaloes in the first round of the inaugural College Basketball Crown tournament on Tuesday at 8:30 p.m. ET on FS1. The game, taking place in Las Vegas, marks the continuation of Villanova’s 2024-25 season following their early exit from the Big East tournament and the subsequent coaching changes.
Interim head coach Mike Nardi will lead the Wildcats against Colorado. The team's season has been marked by significant upheaval, including the firing of Kyle Neptune and the high-profile hiring and subsequent departure of Kevin Willard from the University of Maryland. Despite the off-court turmoil, the Wildcats will enter the tournament with a key incentive: forward Eric Dixon's pursuit of the Villanova all-time scoring record.
Dixon, the nation's leading scorer this season with an average of 23 points per game, needs just nine points to surpass Kerry Kittles’ long-standing record of 2,244 points. This achievement would be particularly notable given the circumstances. Dixon, playing his fifth season due to the pandemic eligibility extension, has amassed 2,235 points in a program-record 159 games, exceeding even Kittles' 122 games played. While some may criticize the context of breaking the record in a post-season tournament, Dixon remains focused on the accomplishment. He emphasized his dedication and hard work throughout his career, dismissing any concerns about asterisks. His teammates, including senior forward Jordan Longino, expressed their support and admiration for Dixon's dedication and talent, highlighting his commitment to the team during the recent period of transition. The team's participation in the College Basketball Crown offers not only a chance for a postseason run but also a historic opportunity for Dixon. A win against Colorado would advance Villanova to the quarterfinals against the winner of the Tulane-USC matchup.
