The Villanova Wildcats (20-5, 11-3 Big East) head into a pivotal Tuesday night showdown against the Xavier Musketeers on February 17, 2026, looking to extend their momentum in the final stretch of the regular season. Currently ranked #26 in KenPom and #30 in the NET rankings, the Wildcats are firmly in the hunt for a high seed in the upcoming NCAA Tournament.
Wildcats Riding High After Road Win at Creighton
Villanova enters tonight’s matchup in Cincinnati following a statement 80-69 victory over Creighton on February 14. Duke Brennan was the catalyst for the Wildcats, delivering a dominant double-double with 21 points and 12 rebounds. This victory followed a thrilling comeback against Marquette earlier in the week, where Tyler Perkins scored 11 of his 22 points in the final six minutes to secure a 77-74 win.
The Wildcats’ current 11-3 conference record keeps them within striking distance of the Big East regular-season title. Tonight’s game against Xavier (13-12, 5-9 Big East) is scheduled for 6:30 PM ET on FS1. While Xavier has struggled for consistency, they remain a dangerous “sharp-shooting” threat on their home court at the Cintas Center.
A Legacy of Excellence
As one of the most successful programs in modern college basketball history, Villanova is seeking to add to a trophy case that includes three national championships (1985, 2016, and 2018). Their 1985 victory remains legendary as the lowest seed (No. 8) to ever win the NCAA DI men’s basketball national title.
With 39 NCAA Tournament appearances—tied for the 8th highest total in history—the Wildcats are once again positioned as a “red-hot” contender as March Madness 2026 approaches. Betting markets currently list Arizona as the national favorite, but Villanova’s recent surge has analysts keeping a close eye on the Main Line squad.
Future Outlook: Italy and Recruiting
Beyond the current season, the program continues to make headlines. Reports indicate that Villanova and Notre Dame are finalizing plans to open the 2026-27 season with a historic matchup in Rome, Italy. On the recruiting trail, the Wildcats remain a top finalist for 2027 four-star guard Mekhi Robertson, signaling that the program’s long-term outlook remains robust.
Women’s Basketball Update
The Villanova women’s team (21-5, 14-3 Big East) also faces a monumental task this week. They are set to host the No. 1 ranked UConn Huskies on Wednesday, February 18, at the Finneran Pavilion. UConn needs just one win to clinch the Big East regular-season title, while Villanova looks to solidify its own tournament resume and pull off a massive upset on the national stage.