What Are The Best Shots In Villanova Basketball History?
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There are many great teams in Villanova’s history. And with great teams come great moments in big games. And with that comes big-time shots.
As the offseason progresses into the fall, action will begin on the gridiron but college basketball fans will have to wait a little bit longer. That means taking strolls down memory land and reliving some of our favorite moments in Villanova’s history.
Once again, this is a list in my lifetime. There will be some that are forgotten. Please leave some notes in the comments section. This includes some of the best shots and some personal favorites as well. Luckily, the last decade-plus has given us fans plenty to celebrate.
READ MORE: The Top 10 Villanova Basketball Players In My Lifetime
Yes, No. 1 on the list is pre-determined in everyone’s mind but make it to the end anyway! It will be a great ride.
Feb. 15, 2022: Collin Gillespie Ices Providence
Does Collin Gillespie get enough credit for his clutch gene? From Villanova fans, yes he does. What a moment this was to solidify Gillespie’s reputation and really show us what kind of team we were dealing with. Already 25 games into the season, Villanova was a Top 10 team but a road game against No. 8 Providence would show what the team was made of. This was the moment that season that Villanova told the nation that it was a Final Four team — and no surprise the big moment came from Gillespie.
Jan. 29, 2017: Donte DiVincenzo Wins It With A Fingernail
What a freak play by a freaky athlete. Already ranked No. 1 in the nation, Villanova was in a rock fight with a Virginia team that was used to playing games in the 50s. The Wildcats squeaked into the 60s thanks to a last millisecond tip from Donte DiVincenzo. He crashed the boards after Josh Hart took the ball to the basket and got the ball on the rim. DiVincenzo barely got the ball off his fingertips for the win.
March 10, 2018: Mikal Bridges From The Top Of The Key
This was not a last-second shot, it was not a game-winner, but it is a personal favorite since I was lucky enough to be watching from the Chase Bridge at MSG with a press pass. It was one of the best Big East finals in recent memory. Villanova got the final stop in regulation to send the game to overtime. With 2:15 left and a one-point lead, Jalen Brunson gets the ball tipped away at the top of the key and right to Bridges, who hit a three at the end of the shot clock and put Villanova up four points.
Nov. 29, 2013: Arcidiacono’s Legend Grows In Bahamas
Even during the “down” years, Villanova found ways to take down some of the best teams in the nation — and Ryan Arcidiacono was always in the middle of it all. Watching from a friend’s basement at 18 years old, I saw Jay Wright draw up a perfect play out of a timeout to get his point guard an open shot in the corner. Arcidiacono buried it. By the way, this was not a down year. Villanova went on to win 29 games and this win set the tone.
Feb. 15, 2015: Darrun Hilliard Takes Air Out Of Hinkle
Before titles began rolling in, there was an underrated star named Darrun Hilliard. The lefty delivered his signature moment in 2015, making a full-throated crowd at Hinkle Fieldhouse sit in silence with one second remaining. Hilliard finished the game with 31 points and shot 8-for-13 from three-point range.
Jan. 22 & 26, 2013: Ryan Arcidiacono Sinks Top 5 Opponents
Remember the aforementioned down years? Villanova went 13-19 in 2011-12. A new point guard emerged in Arcidiacono who would start from day one and prove that he was up for the big moment. Villanova faced a gauntlet of a week against top-five opponents Louisville and Syracuse — both at Wells Fargo Center. After taking down the Cardinals, Villanova needed overtime against Syracuse. After a James Bell miss, the Wildcats secured the offensive rebound and found thier freshman in the corner for a game-tying three.
March 28, 2009: Scottie Reynolds Goes Coast-To-Coast
Scottie Reynolds was so good. And he was so good right away. It was only right that he helped Jay Wright get to his first Final Four. This was not a singular shot as much as it is an entire sequence and drive to the basket (while taking advantage of a mistake made by the opposing coach).
April 4, 2016: Kris Jenkins Becomes College Basketball Icon
It’s already been a decade since this moment. No words are needed here. Villanova fans, just sit back and enjoy a play you have probably watched over a thousand times when Kris Jenkins became a college basketball legend.
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