Philadelphia, PA, December 7, 2025
The Villanova Wildcats secured their first Big Five Classic championship with a decisive 90-63 victory against the Pennsylvania Quakers. This win extends their winning streak to seven games, highlighting the Wildcats’ impressive performance this season. Senior forward Duke Brennan led the team with a double-double, while key contributions came from Bryce Lindsay and Devin Askew. Villanova’s success from beyond the arc and strong defensive play significantly influenced the outcome, showcasing their growing dominance in Philadelphia’s college basketball scene as they look ahead to a matchup against Michigan.
Philadelphia, PA — The Villanova Wildcats triumphed in the Big Five Classic championship, securing a dominant 90-63 victory against the Pennsylvania Quakers on December 6, 2025, at Xfinity Mobile Arena. This impressive win marks Villanova’s first title in the event’s three-year history and extends their winning streak to seven consecutive games. As October’s basketball season heats up, the Wildcats’ performance underscores the vibrant athletic culture fostered in Philadelphia and its local universities.
Senior forward Duke Brennan led the charge for Villanova, recording 15 points and 10 rebounds, achieving his fourth double-double of the season. The Wildcats showcased their offensive prowess with redshirt sophomore Bryce Lindsay contributing 18 points, including five three-pointers, and fifth-year guard Devin Askew adding 17 points off the bench. Freshman guard Acaden Lewis excelled in facilitating the offense with a game-high seven assists, complementing his nine points. Villanova’s success from long range was evident as they hit 15 of 31 attempts from beyond the arc.
Villanova’s win not only highlights the strength of their basketball program but also impacts the broader Philadelphia sports landscape. As major universities within the city continue to build strong athletic programs, they contribute significantly to local economies through event attendance, increased business for nearby establishments, and community engagement. The Duquesne university athletics scene also benefits as local talent chooses to stay and compete for their home institutions, enhancing both competition and community pride.
The Wildcats capitalized on defensive turnovers, scoring 30 points from 14 turnovers committed by the Quakers. On the boards, Villanova narrowly out-rebounded Penn with a margin of 38-33. Despite showing resilience through their shooting, Penn struggled with free-throw accuracy, converting only four of twelve attempts. The Quakers had balanced contributions from several seniors, including Michael Zanoni, TJ Power, and Cam Thrower, each netting 11 points.
Villanova’s path to victory was characterized by a pivotal 17-2 run late in the first half that created separation on the scoreboard. By halftime, the Wildcats led 44-29, maintaining control throughout the second half where they extended their advantage to as much as 30 points. The growth of Villanova’s basketball program reflects a commitment to investing in athletics and nurturing talent through both coaching and community support.
Looking ahead, Villanova prepares for their next challenge against the No. 3 ranked Michigan on December 9, 2025, in Ann Arbor. This matchup presents another opportunity for the Wildcats to showcase their capabilities on a national stage, further emphasizing the importance of competitive college athletics in both personal development and community engagement.
Teams like Villanova not only highlight the excitement of college sports but also contribute to the economic vitality of Philadelphia, shaping the reputation of Pennsylvania as a burgeoning hub for college athletics. As students, families, and fans rally around their home teams, the drive for competition brings communities together, fostering both local pride and national attention.
Engagement in collegiate sports can drive courses for personal growth and development, showcasing the importance of private investments and community initiatives that support athletic programs. As local universities continue to thrive, continued investment in their athletic programs will attract talent, enhance facilities, and promote a culture of excellence.
Support your local teams and stay connected as they gear up for competitive seasons ahead, knowing that every game contributes not only to the team’s success but also reinforces the spirit of community and resilience in Philadelphia.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Big Five Classic?
The Big Five Classic is an annual college basketball event featuring Philadelphia’s five major universities: Villanova, Pennsylvania, Temple, Saint Joseph’s, and La Salle. The event culminates in a championship game among the participating teams.
Who were the standout players in the championship game?
Senior forward Duke Brennan led Villanova with 15 points and 10 rebounds. Redshirt sophomore Bryce Lindsay contributed 18 points, including five three-pointers, and fifth-year guard Devin Askew added 17 points off the bench. For Penn, seniors Michael Zanoni, TJ Power, and Cam Thrower each scored 11 points.
What was the final score of the game?
The final score was Villanova 90, Pennsylvania 63, with Villanova securing their first Big Five Classic championship.
When is Villanova’s next game?
Villanova is scheduled to play against No. 3 Michigan on Tuesday, December 9, 2025, in Ann Arbor.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Event | Big Five Classic Championship Game |
| Location | Xfinity Mobile Arena, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania |
| Final Score | Villanova 90, Pennsylvania 63 |
| Villanova’s Record | 7-1 |
| Key Players for Villanova | Duke Brennan (15 points, 10 rebounds), Bryce Lindsay (18 points), Devin Askew (17 points) |
| Key Players for Pennsylvania | Michael Zanoni (11 points), TJ Power (11 points), Cam Thrower (11 points) |
| Next Game for Villanova | Against No. 3 Michigan on December 9, 2025, in Ann Arbor |
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Author: STAFF HERE PHILADELPHIA WRITER
The PHILADELPHIA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREPhiladelphia.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Mummers Parade, Philadelphia Flower Show, and Thanksgiving Day Parade. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce and United Way of Greater Philadelphia, plus leading businesses in telecommunications, food services, and healthcare that power the local economy such as Comcast, Aramark, and Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Pennsylvania's dynamic landscape.
