On Sunday, Dec. 7, Villanova women’s basketball (8-2) claimed its first Big 5 Classic championship as it defeated St. Joseph’s University (6-3), 70-63, at the Finneran Pavilion.
In the inaugural women’s Big 5 Classic, also hosted on Villanova’s home court, the Wildcats fell to Temple in the championship game last season.
Villanova has won its last four matchups against St. Joe’s. The Wildcats faced the Hawks twice last year, ending their season with a 62-60 win during the Women’s Basketball Invitation Tournament (WBIT) second round on March 23, 2025.
The victory over the local rival marked the sixth win in a row for Villanova.
“Three games in seven days, with everyone having great momentum and great results behind them,” head coach Denise Dillon said. “I’m just super proud of this young group.”
Redshirt sophomore Brynn McCurry led the charge for Villanova, tying her career high with 21 points. She shot 6-of-11 from the field, 3-of-3 from the three point line and 6-of-6 from the foul line. McCurry was also named Most Valuable Player of the championship game.
“I wouldn’t be able to do that without my team,” McCurry said. “I think everyone else talking with me and being able to create for others is what makes us so successful.”
Sophomore guard Jasmine Bascoe netted 13 points, five rebounds and five assists. Junior guard Kelsey Joens scored 13 points, with nine of them being three pointers. Graduate forward Denae Carter led the team with eight rebounds and was the fourth Wildcat to score in double figures, with 10. Freshman forward Brooke Bender added nine points off the bench as she shot a perfect 3-for-3 from beyond the arc.
Joens opened up the game for the Wildcats, sinking a three-pointer and two foul shots. St. Joe’s took an 8-7 lead midway through the first quarter. The Hawks held onto the early momentum, and ended the first quarter holding a slight, 19-16, advantage.
Villanova regained the lead in the beginning of the second period with Carter’s first bucket of the night. The Wildcats then went on an 8-0 scoring run. Villanova reached an 11-point lead, its largest of the game, with a three-pointer from senior guard Ryanne Allen with just under two minutes left until halftime.
Trailing for most of the second quarter, St. Joe’s began to fight back. The Hawks sank back-to-back three pointers with a minute remaining in the half to cut Villanova’s lead to just three points. The Wildcats were up just 35-32 heading into the locker room.
St. Joe’s remained close behind throughout the third quarter. Midway through, Villanova took a six-point lead in a quick scoring spurt.
In the final 30 seconds of the quarter, St. Joe’s cut the lead back to 55-52 before McCurry drained two foul shots to put Villanova up by five. The ‘Cats ended the third period with a 57-52 advantage.
Villanova maintained a close lead in the fourth. Midway through the period, St. Joe’s junior guard Gabby Casey sank a three to put the Hawks within two.
But Bender contributed a well-timed three-pointer, along with a jumper from Bascoe, to give Villanova a 70-63 lead with two minutes and 27 seconds left. They went 3-for-4 from the foul line to secure the victory.
“These [Big 5] games are always gritty, they’re tough,” Dillon said. “The coaches know each other so well, so they understand what the system and style is.”
Villanova shot 25-of-60 from the field (41.7%), 13-of-24 from three-point range (54.2%) and 13-of-16 from the foul line (81.3%) across the game.
St. Joe’s was led in scoring by sophomore guard Rhian Stokes, who scored a game-high 23 points. Casey followed behind with 19 points on the night.
Villanova had a clean sweep in the 2025 Big 5 Classic, after the men’s basketball team emerged victorious over the University of Pennsylvania, 90-63, on Saturday night.
“It was a great weekend for Villanova,” Dillon said. “[The men’s team] looked really good. I’m excited for what they’re doing.”
Villanova began Big East play earlier this week, defeating Georgetown, 76-69, on Dec. 4. The Wildcats will return to action on Dec. 19, hosting Seton Hall in a second conference matchup. Tip-off is set for 7 p.m. (ESPN+).
