Top-tier programs such as Villanova basketball often arrange “buy games” against teams like Columbia early in their season to ease into competition against less formidable opponents. However, this strategy backfired for the Wildcats on Wednesday, as they were defeated 90-80 by the Lions in their season opener at home.
Fans of college basketball reacted enthusiastically on social media following the surprising result.
“Villanova loses a buy game to Columbia,” remarked CBS Sports’ Jon Rothstein. “The definition of brutal.”
“I don’t even consider that an upset,” asserted Barstool Sports’ Max Dolente. “Columbia is simply a superior basketball team to Villanova, and it’s not even close. I’m beginning to wonder if they practice at all.”
“Villanova just lost to Columbia 90-80. [Head coach] Kyle Neptune inherited a team that had just reached the Final Four and is now 36-34, with losses against Portland, Columbia, Penn, Drexel, and St. Joe’s among others,” said FOX Sports Radio’s Aaron Torres. “I can’t imagine Jay Wright watching his former program unravel. What a disgrace 🤦♂️.”
Indeed, the Wildcats have seen a decline since Wright’s departure in 2022, as they have not yet qualified for the NCAA Tournament during this period. Under Wright, they secured two national championships.
“I’d like to add – and I’ve mentioned this countless times – that this should essentially conclude any discussion about ‘Is Villanova a blue blood?’ A miraculous championship in ’85 and a solid but short span of great performance under Jay Wright,” Torres continued. “Congratulations on having an all-time great coach. No, and never was, a blue blood.”
Does this defeat indicate a decline for the Wildcats, or is it just a minor setback?
Kyle Neptune has not measured up to Villanova basketball’s expectations
Following Wright’s lengthy period of achievement that included two more Final Four appearances beyond the championship years, Neptune has yet to achieve enough success to secure a lasting position as head coach. The 39-year-old has guided the Wildcats to two NIT appearances but no NCAA Tournament qualifications, and this defeat to Columbia is unlikely to earn him any additional favor.
True basketball elite consistently excel across multiple eras, and Villanova is at risk of slipping back into obscurity if it cannot maintain its elevated status.
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