On New Year’s Eve, Villanova will host DePaul in a BIG EAST matchup at Finneran Pavilion, starting at 6 p.m. This game is part of a longstanding tradition, marking the sixth New Year’s Eve game since the BIG EAST reorganization in 2013.
Historical Context of New Year’s Eve Games
Villanova has enjoyed a successful New Year’s Eve track record, with a 4-1 record in these games over the past 13 seasons. The Wildcats made their New Year’s Eve debut on December 31, 2013, defeating Butler 76-73 in overtime.
- 2013: Villanova beats Butler 76-73 (overtime)
- 2015: Villanova triumphs over Xavier 95-64
- 2022: The Wildcats lose to Marquette 68-66
Last season, Villanova did not compete on December 31, but they won their first game of 2025 against Butler by a score of 73-65.
Current Season Overview
Currently, Villanova holds a strong 10-2 overall record and is 1-0 in the BIG EAST. The Wildcats aim to carry forward momentum after two compelling games just before the holiday break. They defeated Wisconsin 76-66 on December 19, followed by a 64-56 win against Seton Hall.
DePaul’s Performance
DePaul comes into the game with an overall record of 8-5 and has struggled in the BIG EAST, sitting at 0-2. The Blue Demons will look to secure their first conference win against the Wildcats.
Broadcast Information
This exciting matchup will air live on FS1, with Emmanuel Berbari and Donny Marshall providing commentary. Fans can also listen to the game via the Villanova Sports Network on iHeart, Fox Sports Philadelphia, and Sirius XM channel 380.
Game Ticket Availability
With students on winter break, there are limited tickets available for the public. Interested fans can find more information through the El-Balad website.
Looking Ahead
After facing DePaul, Villanova will prepare for another BIG EAST challenge against Butler on Saturday at noon, broadcasted on TNT and TruTV. The Wildcats aim to build on their current ranking, having reached No. 21 in the NCAA NET rankings and No. 25 in Ken Pomeroy’s advanced metrics.
