ESPN writer Dana O’Neil and Scouts Inc. John Stovall analyzed the A-10 conference today. Of the 10 non-conference games that O’Neil “can’t wait to see,” 4 are A-10-Big East matchups. Coming in at #2 on the list is the St. Joseph’s Hawks vs. the Villanova Wildcats on December 9th at the infamous Palestra. O’Neil, regarding this contest:
Even though this is a transition year for the Hawks and the Wildcats ought to be a top-10 team, nothing is guaranteed when the Holy War is played at the Palestra. This is the sort of game that ‘Nova coach Jay Wright dreads.
Touche. In Big 5 games, especially at the Palestra, especially St. Joe’s vs. Villanova, records and rankings can be thrown out the window. While Villanova will be the heavy heavy favorite, you just never know, because this rivalry is one of the best in the nation. Other A-10-Big East games that O’Neil discusses are Xavier vs. Marquette (November 26th), Pittsburgh at Duquesne (December 2nd), and Temple at Georgetown (November 17th).
August 19, 2009
eh… with the exception of last year, both teams usually go back and forth, blowing each other out. It makes it an compelling rivalry when you’re deeply invested, but to a casual fan, the games are usually relatively boring.