Villanova Men's Basketball

Villanova Reaction: Wildcats Continue to Show They’re Back

Published

3 months ago

January 24, 2026

Image courtesy of Matt Hodge's Instagram account.

Villanova Men’s Basketball went blow for blow with No. 2 UConn for the first 43 minutes of their 75-67 overtime road loss on Saturday, Jan. 24, but an 8-0 run from the experienced Huskies proved the difference.

The Wildcats (15-5, 6-3 Big East) continue a sort of honeymoon period in their first season under Kevin Willard, with more praise than frustration after a potential signature win slipped out of their grasp. Even with Bryce Lindsay and Acaden Lewis struggling, combining to go 1-for-21 with ten of the Wildcats’ 16 missed three-point shots, Villanova managed to take the country’s second-best team to the limit on their home court.

After the game, Wildcats’ forward Duke Brennan (16 points, 14 rebounds) revealed that he played through a thigh injury — a situation to monitor closely, given the team’s lack of depth at the rim.

Here’s the reaction from fans — including plenty of compliments from the Huskies — and media after the Wildcats’ overtime heartbreaker.

Dan Hurley:

“When I got to UConn we were s**t and Nova was on top… then Nova began to slip a little…what we saw today is the beginning of these UConn-Villanova games where both teams are at the top of college basketball.” pic.twitter.com/eKMO45eTnF

— Step Back Cardiac Review (@CardiacCTReview) January 24, 2026

There is no shame whatsoever in losing at Connecticut. But man, that is a massive missed opportunity for a Villanova team still searching for its first signature win.

— Kerry Miller (@kerrancejames) January 24, 2026

Former Villanova player and assistant coach Mike Nardi, now at UConn, catching up with Villanova athletic director Eric Roedl and SID Mike Sheridan. pic.twitter.com/4PF98lbyOy

— Jeff Neiburg (@Jeff_Neiburg) January 24, 2026

Damn we could have won that game. That one hurt. Can’t fault the effort. We are back. #Villanova #NovaNation

— MainLineWillard (@NovaNationV) January 24, 2026

Villanova looks every bit the tournament team they should be

— Big East Bar Room 🎙 (@BigEastBarroom) January 24, 2026

No matter how hard they try Villanova can’t get away from Jay Wright… 😂
Vintage back down guard play by Perkins on display right now

— 🅰️RAY (@ARayfor3) January 24, 2026

Much respect to Villanova, good to have you back. Great win, phewwwee

— The UConn Blog (@TheUConnBlog) January 24, 2026

UConn entered play with the nation’s sixth-best three-point defense (27.5 percent). Villanova made six of 15 in the first half (40 percent), and they’re up 31-27.

— Griffin Floyd (@GriffinFloyd62) January 24, 2026

Matt Hodge has been huge for Villanova when his three-point ball is going this season.

He puts Villanova up 61-59.

— Dylan Johnson (@bydylanjohnson) January 24, 2026

That’s a loss that is going to sting for awhile. We had them on the ropes, but just couldn’t finish it in OT. We can hang with them in the conference, but we should be disappointed in that loss. Can’t wait for the return game at XFC. Use that anger next week against Providence.

— Sidelines Villanova (@SSN_Nova) January 24, 2026

Villanova (@NovaMBB) battled UConn in Hartford, but ultimately, the Wildcats fell short, 75-67, in overtime.

Duke Brennan and Tyler Perkins recorded double-doubles. pic.twitter.com/ngGPHFN18e

— David Szczepanski (@WXVUDavidS) January 24, 2026

Dan Hurley, who has been begging for a technical for quite a while, finally gets his wish. Devin Askew makes the free throws, and Villanova goes up 37-33 with 15 minutes to go.

— Jeff Neiburg (@Jeff_Neiburg) January 24, 2026

The lack of a second serviceable big man is Villanova’s Achilles heel

— Nick C (@vuwildcat07) January 24, 2026

Just talked with Coach Willard and Duke Brennan.

Villanova’s (@NovaMBB) Duke Brennan said that he hurt his thigh earlier this week.

— David Szczepanski (@WXVUDavidS) January 24, 2026

After Villanova missed three consecutive NCAA Tournaments, Kevin Willard has returned the program to the national radar in year one.

Ahead of the Wildcats’ showdown at #2 UConn today, our @NBCSports feature on Willard’s takeover on the Main Line and embracing high expectations: pic.twitter.com/SPwXO0fDrC

— John Fanta (@John_Fanta) January 24, 2026