Villanova basketball has long been synonymous with success during Feast Week, the exciting period of Thanksgiving tournaments that offers College Basketball teams a chance to make an early-season statement and fans the ability to see where their team stands early on. From the Battle 4 Atlantis in 2017 to recent years in the Empire Classic and beyond, Villanova has often used these mid-season showcases as springboards to success. Yet, as their nail-biting 76-75 loss to Maryland in the 2024 Saatva Empire Classic demonstrated, the Wildcats are facing an uphill battle to reclaim the dominance they once wielded in college basketball. Let’s rewind into the storied history of Villanova during Feast Week, juxtaposing their celebrated past with the challenges the 2024 team faces, as evidenced by their performance against Maryland.
The Glory Days: Feast Week Triumphs
Villanova's 2017 Battle 4 Atlantis campaign remains a hallmark of the program's history. The Wildcats clinched the championship with a decisive 64-50 victory over Northern Iowa, marking their second title in this tournament. Mikal Bridges led the charge with 18 points, while Jalen Brunson contributed 16 points and 4 assists, exemplifying the team's balanced offensive attack. Their defensive prowess was equally notable, holding Northern Iowa to just 50 points. This performance set the tone for a season culminating in Villanova's second national championship in three years.
In 2020, Villanova continued its Feast Week success by capturing the 2K Empire Classic title. The Wildcats secured an 83-74 victory over Arizona State in the championship game, propelled by Jeremiah Robinson-Earl's career-high 28 points. Their ability to perform under pressure was evident, as they maintained composure against a formidable opponent, further solidifying their reputation in early-season tournaments.
The Neptune Era
By 2023, under the leadership of Coach Kyle Neptune, Villanova returned to the Battle 4 Atlantis and reclaimed the tournament crown. The Wildcats overcame a stacked field, defeating Texas Tech, then North Carolina in the semifinals in a tightly contested game, followed by a phenomenal blowout of Memphis. Key performances came from Eric Dixon, who earned MVP of the tournament after the final. Winning the 2023 Battle 4 Atlantis gave hope of Villanova's resilience and ability to thrive under Neptune’s guidance, but the program was unable to build upon this performance and has been faltering on the court since.
Villanova vs. Maryland: A 2024 Test of Resilience
The 2024 Saatva Empire Classic matchup against Maryland represented more than just another game. It was a true litmus test for a Villanova program struggling to find its footing in the 2024-25 season. The Wildcats entered the game at 3-3, having already suffered losses to Columbia and their Big 5 rival, Saint Joseph’s. Maryland, meanwhile, came into the game at 4-1, buoyed by a balanced roster and steady play, along with the coaching of former Seton Hall Coach, Kevin Willard.
Villanova got off to a strong start, building a 40-28 lead at halftime. Eric Dixon, the Wildcats' senior forward and undisputed leader, put on an absolute scoring clinic, finishing the game with a career-high 38 points. Dixon's ability to stretch the floor with five three-pointers and dominate inside highlighted that he will be one of the best players in College Basketball this season.
However, Maryland roared back in the second half. Julian Reese and Derik Queen combined for 40 points and 17 rebounds, exploiting Villanova’s lack of interior defensive depth with Enoch Boakye off of the floor. Maryland’s ability to generate second-chance opportunities—outscoring Villanova 20-11 on second-chance points—proved critical in the Terrapins' 76-75 victory. Despite Dixon's heroics, Villanova’s offense faltered late, Maryland capitalized with clutch free throws in the closing seconds, and Dixon’s three-point shot with time expiring was off the mark.
Contrasting Eras: Feast Week Then and Now
The loss to Maryland starkly contrasts Villanova's Feast Week dominance in years past. In 2017, the Wildcats were the gold standard of college basketball, with a top-five KenPom ranking multiple NBA prospects, and a 2016 championship to boot. That team exuded confidence, thriving in high-pressure games with precise execution and a deep bench. Similarly, in 2020, Villanova's victory in the Empire Classic underscored their ability to remain competitive even as college basketball entered the NIL and transfer portal era.
The 2024 team, however, paints a different picture. With a 3-4 record following the Maryland loss, the Wildcats are far removed from their top-10 rankings of yesteryear. Depth remains an issue, as does defensive consistency. The lack of a reliable secondary scorer behind Dixon has hindered Villanova’s ability to close out tight games, with transfer Wooga Poplar having been unable to show his high-level scoring potential this season. Moreover, the departure of several transfers, such as TJ Bamba and Brendan Hausen, has left the program struggling to keep pace in an increasingly competitive Big East.
Challenges in the New Era
Villanova’s struggles reflect broader trends in college basketball. The introduction of NIL deals and the increased prevalence of the transfer portal have fundamentally altered team-building strategies. Villanova has pursued a modern strategy, but has been unable to put the pieces together, with only a few stand out performances, such as the 2023 Battle for Atlantis, in this new era.
Reflections and a Path Forward
Despite the setbacks, Villanova’s Feast Week history offers lessons for the program. The Wildcats’ success in tournaments like the Battle 4 Atlantis and Empire Classic was built on a foundation of disciplined defense, unselfish ball movement, and clutch performances in high-stakes moments. Dixon’s stellar outing against Maryland shows that the team still has individual talent capable of rising to the occasion. The challenge lies in translating that individual brilliance into cohesive team play, as no Villanova team has had success relying on only one player to carry it on both sides of the ball.
Moving Forward
The 2024 Empire Classic loss to Maryland underscores the growing pains Villanova is facing in the 2024-25 season. As they move forward, the program’s Feast Week history serves as a reminder of what’s possible when talent, preparation, and execution align, something that seemed to be the case in the first half of this game. Whether Villanova can recapture that magic remains to be seen, but we will see as a very long season lies ahead for the Wildcats.
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