Our Clients:

Field Level Media - Professional sports content solutions | FLM

Nov 19, 2024 12:25 am

Penn, Villanova set to battle for Philly bragging rights

villanova

Tyler Perkins will experience the Villanova-Penn rivalry for the second straight year, but in a very different sense on Tuesday when the Wildcats host the Quakers in a Big 5 Classic game.

Last season, Perkins scored 22 points to guide the Quakers to a 76-72 upset of the Wildcats — just Penn’s 19th win in 70 all-time meetings between the Philadelphia-area schools. However, the freshman guard transferred to Villanova following the 2023-24 season, creating a new look for Perkins heading into Tuesday’s clash.

“Everybody knows Villanova basketball. It has made a great name for itself over the years,” Perkins told VUHoops.com in the spring after announcing his transfer.

Perkins has averaged 7.6 points in five games this season after scoring 13.7 per game for Penn a season ago. He scored eight points in Friday’s 70-60 loss to Virginia in which the Wildcats (2-3) struggled to stay close despite a productive night from Eric Dixon (20 points, eight rebounds).

“Obviously, everyone wants to come out and start hot, but that’s just not the luxury that we have,” Dixon said. “At the end of the day, it’s just coming back and trying to figure out a way to get better. This early in the season, that’s all it is.”

The Quakers (2-2) have lost two straight games, most recently falling 86-69 against Saint Joseph’s on Friday. Nick Spinoso led the way offensively with 14 points on 7-of-10 shooting.

Penn’s issues against the Hawks included getting outrebounded (43-26), turnovers (13) and 3-point defense (38.5 percent) in the team’s first lopsided contest of the campaign. The Quakers’ first three games were decided by one, one and two points, respectively.

“I’m obviously disappointed, but I’m far from discouraged,” Penn coach Steve Donahue said.

This game is part of the Big 5 Classic series in which the six Division I programs in the Philadelphia area compete for the city crown. In addition to the Quakers and Wildcats, the event also includes Temple, La Salle, Drexel and Saint Joseph’s.

–Field Level Media

You may also like

Victor Wembanyama
May 27, 2025 2:16 pm

Report: Spurs C Victor Wembanyama to return by training camp

San Antonio Spurs All-Star center Victor Wembanyama is expected to return to the court by the start of training camp, ESPN reported on Tuesday. Wembanyama missed the last two months…

russell westbrook
May 27, 2025 1:27 pm

Nuggets G Russell Westbrook recovering from hand surgery

Denver Nuggets guard Russell Westbrook underwent surgery on Tuesday to repair two breaks in his right hand. “I’m grateful for everyone’s support all year and I can’t wait to be…

Alex Condon
May 27, 2025 1:23 pm

F Alex Condon opts out of NBA draft, returns to Florida

Forward Alex Condon, who played a key role in Florida’s run to the national championship, will return for his junior season after telling ESPN on Tuesday that he is withdrawing…

More Basketball News

Victor Wembanyama
May 27, 2025 2:16 pm

Report: Spurs C Victor Wembanyama to return by training camp

San Antonio Spurs All-Star center Victor Wembanyama is expected to return to the court by the start of training camp, ESPN reported on Tuesday. Wembanyama missed the last two months…

russell westbrook
May 27, 2025 1:27 pm

Nuggets G Russell Westbrook recovering from hand surgery

Alex Condon
May 27, 2025 1:23 pm

F Alex Condon opts out of NBA draft, returns to Florida

yaxel lendeborg drive
May 27, 2025 11:46 am

Yaxel Lendeborg WDs from draft, commits to Michigan

mackenzie mgbako drive
May 27, 2025 11:41 am

F Mackenzie Mgbako out of draft, commits to Texas A&M

Read all
fb-post
advertisment
title-icon

Upcoming events

See all odds
[gs-fb-comments]