Get ready, college hoops fanatics! Villanova just gave us a peek into their early season grind, and trust me, November is gonna be wild. The big news hitting the wires confirms Coppin State is traveling to face the Wildcats on November 24. This isn’t just another game, it’s a piece of a truly stacked schedule that’ll test the squad right out of the gate.
Hoops Across Continents and Conference Gauntlets
If you thought the Wildcats were taking it easy, think again. This November slate is no joke. The full calendar, which we’re still waiting on the complete breakdown for, already has some absolute stunners. We’re talking an exhibition road trip to Rutgers on October 11 to get things warmed up. Then, buckle up, because November 1 sees the squad taking on Notre Dame, and get this, they’re doing it in ROME, ITALY! How sick is that? Talk about a memorable start to the month. But it doesn’t stop there. After that epic international adventure, they’re heading straight into a road battle at Pittsburgh on November 17. And just three days after hosting Coppin State on the 24th, it’s another massive road test: a trip to face Kansas on November 27. Sheesh! December 12 brings another big one with Wisconsin on a neutral court at Xfinity Mobile Arena. Plus, we’ve got confirmed games against Michigan, Temple, and La Salle, not to mention the always-intense Big 5 Classic. That’s a lineup designed to forge a team, or break one.
Coppin State’s Battle Back and the “Buy Game” Buzz
Now, about that November 24 matchup against Coppin State. For Villanova, this is the first “buy game” we know about on their schedule, a chance to get some early reps in at home. But don’t sleep on Coppin State’s motivation. This program is in a rebuilding phase under head coach Larry Stewart, who’s entering his fourth season at the helm. Last year was a tough one for the Eagles, finishing 7-24 overall, with a 5-9 record in MEAC play, which put them sixth in an eight-team league. And here’s the kicker, something that’s gotta light a fire under that team: they were ineligible for the MEAC Tournament due to Academic Progress Rate penalties from the NCAA. That’s a gut punch no team wants to take. So, while it’s a “buy game” for Villanova, Coppin State is going to be coming in looking to prove a point, especially after the challenges they faced last season. Every game is a chance to reset, right?
What’s Next on the Schedule Reveal?
With all these matchups confirmed, it looks like Villanova’s out-of-conference schedule is almost locked in. If they play 11 non-conference games again this year, which is typical, there’s only one more spot left to fill. It’s probably gonna be another home game against a low-major school, keeping with the tradition. But honestly, how cool would it be if they threw us a curveball? A surprise opponent to round out that schedule? We’re all here for it! Can’t wait for the full slate to drop and see what other gems are hidden in there.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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