Penn, Villanova set to battle for Philly bragging rights

Field Level Media|published: Tue 19th November, 24:32 2024

Nov 15, 2024; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Villanova Wildcats forward Eric Dixon (43) grabs a loose ball against the Virginia Cavaliers during the second half at CFG Bank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Reggie Hildred-Imagn Images

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