Villanova Wins the Title at Home Downing Saint Joseph’s 76 – 70
VILLANOVA, PA. 12/7/2025 –
The Villanova Wildcats took the crown in the Women’s Big Five Classic Championship defeating the arch rival Saint Joseph’s Hawks 76 – 70 at the Finneran Pavilion. It is the first championship for Nova under the new format, and is the 20th Big Five title overall for the program.
The game was championship level worthy as the teams stayed within contact of one another. The key player was Villanova junior forward Brynn McCurry who scored a career-high tying 21 points on 6 of 11 shooting and was a perfect 3 for 3 from the three-point line. McCurry went 6 of 6 from the foul line, and was named the MVP. She turned in a huge performance in a big situation in helping her team win a city championship.
“I think we had a lot of new people that really didn’t understand the rivalry that we have with these teams, and how much this means to us, the Big Five,” said McCurry. “It was relaying that message to those who haven’t played in it. I think this gives us a lot of momentum going into the rest of the season.”
The Three-Point Line
The Wildcats made 13 of 24 shots from beyond the arc (54.2%). Also perfect from distance was freshman forward Brooke Bender who had three. Two of those baskets came in the fourth quarter that stretched the lead to five and seven points, the latter coming with just under two and a half minutes to play. She hit the last basket for the team as remainder of the points came from the foul line. Kelsey Joens added three triples with Jasmine Bascoe getting two. Kennedy Henry and Ryann Allen scored a basket from distance.
Saint Joseph’s went 8 of 16 from beyond the arc with Rhian Stokes going 4 for 4 from beyond the arc. Gabby Casey drained two three-pointers.
“They (Villanova) hadn’t been a higher percentage as of late, but given the opportunity, they were knocking down threes,” said Saint Joseph’s Coach Cindy Griffin. “That’s something we need to look at because it seems that everybody’s shooting pretty well against us. They’re having their day against us. That’s concerning. Something we need to look at and fix.”
The Hawks have given up 56 of 157 three-point field goals 36% this season.
End of Game
It was a close contest with Villanova holding the lead for most of the game. A three-pointer by Casey with 5:35 to play in the fourth cut the deficit to 65 – 63 for St. Joe’s. The Wildcats answered with a basket by Bascoe, a three by Bender and two free throws by McCurry to stretch the lead to 72 – 63 for Villanova with under a minute left to play.
“It comes down to what team is locked in for the duration,” said Villanova Coach Denise Dillon.
What the Numbers Say
For Saint Joseph’s Stokes scored a career-high 23 points made 6 of 13 field goals and went 7 for 7 from the line. She also had a career-best handing out 6 assists. Stokes would lead many charges for the Hawks. Her offense got the team to within a possession on four different occasions, the last early in the fourth quarter.
“You hope to have a point guard that can make a play,” Griffin said about Stokes. “Really pleased with her just being able to read the floor, see where the ball needs to get, and then try to get to the free throw line. She’s used to winning a lot of games.”
Casey would score 19 points and had 4 assists and steals, while pulling down8 rebounds.
Danae Carter scored 10 points and had a team-best 8 rebounds for Villanova. Bascoe added 13 points and a team-best 5 assists and rebounds.
Up Next
With the Big Five season over the teams turn their attention to final exams, then the league games begin. Villanova hosts Seton Hall on December 19. Saint Joseph’s will host the Hawk Classic on December 20 and 21.
Fifth Place Game
The University of Pennsylvania took fifth place with a 65 – 52 win over La Salle. Tina Njike recorded a double-double putting up 14 points and 13 rebounds. Katie Collins scored a game-high 20 points and fell short of a double-double with 9 rebounds. Saniah Caldwell and Simone Sawyer each assisted 8 times.
For La Salle Aryss Macktoon led the way with 15 points and Ashleigh Connor added 12 points.
Third Place Game
The Drexel Dragons won third place downing the Temple Owls 59 – 52. Molly Rullo set a collegiate-mark with 22 points draining 8 of 9 from the floor and 5 of 6 from beyond the arc. Deja Evans added 18 points. Grace O’Neill dished out 6 assists.
For Temple Kaylah Turner scored a team-high 16 points, Jaleesa Molina scored 10 points.
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