Villanova’s Big East season got off to a strong start on Tuesday night, as they secured a 79-67 victory over Seton Hall in front of an energized crowd at the Finneran Pavilion. The Wildcats (8-4, 1-0 Big East) extended their winning streak to five games, easily handling the struggling Pirates (5-7, 0-1), who were looking to make a statement but fell short. While Seton Hall isn't exactly a major hurdle for the Wildcats, this win was a crucial step for Villanova as they work through the early stages of their conference schedule.
Leading the charge for the Wildcats was graduate forward Eric Dixon, who entered the game as the nation’s leading scorer. Dixon didn't disappoint, pouring in 25 points to guide his team to victory. The offense wasn’t all about Dixon, though—sophomore guard Tyler Perkins came off the bench and delivered a stellar performance, scoring a season-high 17 points, including a remarkable 6-of-7 shooting from three-point range. Perkins' offensive explosion was a welcome sight for Villanova, especially given his solid defensive contributions. Seton Hall’s sophomore guard Isaiah Coleman led the Pirates with 22 points and nine rebounds, but it wasn't enough to overcome Villanova's offensive firepower and defensive discipline.
Perkins Steps Up
Tyler Perkins' performance on Tuesday night was a highlight. In just 25 minutes of play, he was a dynamo on both ends of the floor. His 17 points came on nearly flawless shooting, particularly from deep range, where he connected on 6 of his 7 attempts. This was Perkins' most impressive outing since transferring from Penn in the offseason, and it underscored his potential to contribute in a big way for the Wildcats.
“I’m just focused on defending and rebounding, and everything else will take care of itself,” Perkins said after the game. His commitment to the fundamentals of the game is evident, and he’s quickly becoming a reliable contributor for Villanova. Last season, Perkins showed flashes of brilliance, including a 22-point performance in Penn’s upset win over Villanova. It’s clear that his mentality is geared toward defense and rebounding, two staples of Villanova’s basketball philosophy.
Villanova’s senior guard Jordan Longino also weighed in on Perkins' contributions: “He’s a guy that brought that defense and rebounding mentality. We played him last year over at Penn… I think everybody in this room knows. [Perkins] is a guy that’s a Villanova guy. He plays with that mentality every night.” Longino’s comments highlight how Perkins fits seamlessly into Villanova’s defensive-oriented culture, and his recent shooting success only adds another layer to his value.
Dixon Powers Villanova
As much as the Wildcats benefitted from Perkins’ breakout game, it was Eric Dixon who once again proved to be the heart of Villanova’s offense. Despite shooting just 44% from the field on Tuesday night, Dixon’s 25 points were a testament to his ability to impact the game even when he’s not operating at full efficiency. Dixon has been the focal point of Villanova’s offense throughout the season, and his leadership is essential as the Wildcats navigate the challenges of Big East play.
“We’ve got guys who can make shots, but if we defend and rebound, we’ll be fine,” said Villanova head coach Kyle Neptune. His philosophy reflects the team's overall focus: defense and rebounding are paramount. When the Wildcats lock down on defense and secure the boards, they are difficult to beat, especially with players like Dixon and Perkins capable of delivering on the offensive end.
Senior guard Jordan Longino was another key contributor to Villanova’s success, chipping in a season-high 15 points. His well-rounded performance helped take some of the scoring burden off Dixon, and his ability to step up in big moments will be crucial as the Wildcats move deeper into Big East play.
A Streak to Be Proud Of
Villanova's current five-game win streak is a strong statement as they head into one of the toughest stretches of their season. The last time the Wildcats strung together five consecutive wins was in December 2022, which was also Kyle Neptune’s first season at the helm. This recent run has been fueled by a much-improved defensive effort. Over the last five games, Villanova has held opponents to an average of just 62.4 points per game, a significant improvement over the 69.3 points per game they allowed in their first seven contests.
However, the Wildcats know they cannot afford to rest on their laurels. They have a tough road ahead, with their next six games all coming against Big East opponents ranked in the top 77 of the NET rankings. These games will test Villanova's resolve and provide an early indication of where they stand in the highly competitive conference.
“We take it one day at a time,” Longino said. “Tomorrow we get an off day and [we] watch film, then the next day we’re going to practice and watching scout film. Nothing changes in our mindset.” Longino’s mentality speaks to the team’s approach: they focus on the process, not the outcome, and treat every opponent with the same respect and intensity.
The Big East Physicality
Big East basketball is known for its physicality, and Villanova is no stranger to the rough-and-tumble nature of the conference. On Tuesday night, things got a bit heated in the final minutes, as Seton Hall’s Dylan Addae-Wusu fouled Villanova redshirt freshman Kris Parker on a drive to the basket, leading to a brief scuffle between the two teams. Villanova’s Wooga Poplar and Seton Hall’s Coleman were both assessed technical fouls for their involvement in the dust-up, a reminder of the intensity that comes with Big East play.
Seton Hall’s full-court pressure and physical play were a clear indication of what Villanova will face as they continue through the Big East schedule. The Wildcats will need to match that physicality night in and night out to succeed.
“Anybody playing in the Big East is going to come with physicality,” Longino said. “For us, I think we try to go out and match that. We talk about it every day in practice, just being physical, defending, rebounding… I think tonight that’s something we accomplished.” Longino’s comments underline the team’s focus on playing hard every possession, a trait that is essential when facing the top teams in the Big East.
Looking Ahead
As Villanova looks to build on this early success in the conference, they must stay focused on the challenges that lie ahead. The next stretch of games, including road contests against tough opponents like Creighton, Butler, St. John’s, and Xavier, will test the Wildcats' ability to sustain their momentum and maintain their defensive intensity. If they can continue playing with the same defensive commitment and balanced scoring, they’ll be a tough out for anyone in the Big East.
In the meantime, the Wildcats will enjoy the satisfaction of a solid start to conference play, with five consecutive wins under their belt and an early lead in the Big East standings. If Perkins can keep shooting the ball well, Dixon continues to lead the charge, and the team maintains its defensive focus, Villanova has the makings of a team that can compete at the highest level. With a renewed focus on the fundamentals and the right mindset, the Wildcats are primed for an exciting season ahead.
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