- Matchup: Holy Cross Crusaders vs Villanova Wildcats
- Date: Friday, November 6, 2026
- Venue: Finneran Pavilion, Villanova, PA
- Broadcast: ESPN+
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The Villanova Wildcats (0-1) look to secure their first win as they face off against the Holy Cross Crusaders (0-1) at Finneran Pavilion this Friday.
In their previous outing, the Holy Cross Crusaders faced the Rhode Island Rams and suffered a heavy defeat, ending with a score of 103-59. Holy Cross shot 38.2% from the field, hitting 21 of 55 shots, while converting 7 of 23 attempts from three-point range. Their free throw shooting was just 62.5%, with 10 makes on 16 attempts. The Crusaders collected 25 rebounds, including 5 offensive boards, and provided 14 assists. Defensively, they forced 5 turnovers but managed only 1 steal, as they allowed Rhode Island to shoot at a staggering 55.2% from the field (37 of 67). In this game, Rhode Island achieved 19 assists and 8 steals, totaling 39 rebounds (9 offensive, 30 defensive), and sank 17 of their 23 free throws for a 73.9% shooting percentage. The fouling numbers saw Holy Cross committing 23 fouls compared to Rhode Island’s 19.
Kole Hanson stood out for the Crusaders with an 11-point performance on 4 of 9 shooting. He played for 24 minutes, grabbed 2 rebounds, and recorded 5 assists.
The Holy Cross Crusaders enter this matchup with a season record of 0-1, averaging 59.0 points per game, ranking 308th in the nation. They are shooting 38.2% from the field and 30.4% from three-point territory (7 of 23), alongside a 62.5% free throw percentage. They pull down an average of 29.0 rebounds per game and dish out 14 assists, ranking 213th nationally. However, they struggle with ball security, averaging 16.0 turnovers and committing 23.0 personal fouls each game.
Defensively, they force 5.0 turnovers while averaging 19.0 personal fouls. The Crusaders rank 309th in D1 in assists allowed, giving up 19 a game. They allow opponents to shoot 55.2% from the field and are giving up an average of 41.0 rebounds per game. Opponents shoot 38.7% from beyond the arc against them, and the Crusaders rank 359th in points allowed per game at 103.0.
In their last game, the Villanova Wildcats faced a narrow defeat, falling 74-72 to Notre Dame. They recorded 26 defensive and 7 offensive rebounds, totaling 33. However, the Wildcats had a challenging night with 20 turnovers, despite managing 6 steals. Notre Dame fouled 19 times, allowing Villanova 18 free throw opportunities, of which they converted 13 for a 72.2% success rate. The Wildcats went 11 for 31 from three (35.5%) and 24 for 52 from the field (46.2%). Defensively, Villanova allowed Notre Dame to shoot 35.4% from the floor (23 of 65) and 37.5% from three (9 of 24), with Notre Dame completing 76.0% of their free throws (19 of 25). Villanova granted Notre Dame 34 rebounds in total (16 offensive).
Tyler Perkins was a key player for Villanova, finishing with 18 points on 6 of 12 shooting (50.0%), along with 4 rebounds and 3 assists in 35 minutes of play.
Currently, Villanova holds an 0-1 record for the season. They average 17.0 personal fouls per game and hit 72.2% from the free throw line. The Wildcats have scored 72 points so far, averaging 37.0 rebounds per game. Their field goal percentage stands at 46.2%, placing them 178th in Division 1.
Defensively, Villanova ranks 217th in points allowed per game at 74.0. They create 11.0 turnovers per game and hold opponents to a 35.4% shooting percentage (104th in the nation). Teams are hitting 37.5% of their three-point attempts against Villanova, and they allow 76.0% shooting from the charity stripe. The Wildcats yield an average of 14.0 assists and 37.0 rebounds per game, ranking 236th and 229th in D1, respectively.
Who will prevail in tonight’s NCAA matchup against the spread?
Prediction: Back Holy Cross
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