Family, Fun and a Win: Villanova Wildcats Beat American Eagles 73-52 During First Winter Break Game Thursday Night

There are fifteen minutes left on the clock and the Villanova band’s drums are booming. “Seven…six…five…four…three…two…one! Yay!” A group of six and seven-year-old boys shout from the tops of the bleachers of the Pavilion, ready for the second half of the game to begin. It’s one of the boy’s birthday, and what better way to celebrate than at a good old ‘Nova basketball game? Equipped with “V” hats, “Just do it” Nike T-shirts and rolled-up posters, the boys stomp their feet and munch on Swedish Fish, Sour Patch Kids and soft pretzels. The game’s going on, but that’s only half the fun. These kids are having a blast. A few cool college students sit nearby chatting as they watch—the game…and the kids. From Nova’s side of the court, American’s Daniel Munoz (2) throws the ball to Blake Jolivette (20) who throws it back, avoiding a steal. Munoz tosses the ball back to Jolivette who catches it, misses the shot and slides to the ground. The teams huddle up and the band plays again.

What’s the difference between this game and other games scheduled during the academic year? Many people are on break for one, which provides the perfect opportunity for alumni and families to visit ‘Nova and see another game alongside locals and students who haven’t yet gone home for winter break. And according to Phil Sopylo, a senior, a lot less people attend the games over break compared to normal games.

Abby Louis, another senior, said she mainly came out to watch because she didn’t really have anything else to do. “But I also like basketball and the excitement of the students,” she says.

Mark Mullany, a freshman, also attended. He seemed knowledgeable on the sport and the players. He says Maalik Wayn (2) seemed like a pivotal player on ‘Nova’s team. “He was kind of quiet during the first half, but then he really stepped it up. He seems to be a leader and a standout guy.”

Aside from the smaller number of people and alumni visitors, there’s also room for show of a lot of holiday spirit between plays, creating a fun atmosphere. Villanova dancers, sporting Santa hats, stand in a line kicking to a Christmas tune. Soon after, bits of familiar songs like ‘N Sync’s “Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays,” and Mariah Carey’s “All I Want for Christmas is You” play as cheerleaders shout, “Cats, cats, cats, cats, C-A-T-S!” They hold letters up while standing high in the air on the extended arms of the guys below them.

Amid all the cheer, the Wildcats lead significantly during most of the game. Sopylo believes this could be the comfort of home working it’s magic, while Mullany thinks that Villanova naturally has more exposure and better recruiting than American. Whether it’s the difference in recruiting, the alumni, holiday spirit, or something else, it seems to work in the Wildcats’ favor. With a score of 71-50 and 29 seconds remaining in the game, the Wildcats gain two points from two successful foul shots. The Eagles dunk another two-pointer and there are 10 seconds left on the clock. The Wildcats attempt a final shot, but time is up. They win the game 73-52. The band plays and everyone puts their “V’s” up.