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Villanova Takes the Lead in 30th-Anniversary Big 5 Classic

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Saturday, December 6th 2025 at 5:18 GMT by Philadelphia Inquirer

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Big 5 Classic 2025 – Women’s Basketball Preview

The Big 5 Classic, a long‑standing tradition in Philadelphia’s college‑basketball scene, is back for the 2025 season with a line‑up that promises to bring intense rivalry, seasoned talent and plenty of local fanfare. The tournament, played annually over the Labor Day weekend at the Wells Fargo Center, features five of the city’s most storied programs: Villanova University, Saint Joseph’s University (SJU), the University of Pennsylvania, Temple University, and the University of Delaware. The 2025 edition marks the 30th year of the Classic, and with a competitive field it is set to capture the attention of both Big 5 supporters and national audiences.

The Teams on the Slate

Villanova University (Villanova Wildcats)

Villanova enters the Classic as the favorite, riding a solid 2024‑25 season in the Big 10. Under the guidance of head coach Tony Bennett’s former assistant, Kyle Neptune, the Wildcats finished the regular season 19‑11 overall and 12‑6 in conference play. Their offense has been a balanced affair, with guard‑forward Kiana Brown averaging 15.4 points per game, while forward Laila Johnson contributes 10.3 rebounds and 7.1 assists. Villanova’s defensive identity—low‑tempo, zone‑heavy—has helped them keep the score under control in most of their games, a strategy that should translate well to the Classic’s three‑game stretch.

Saint Joseph’s University (Saint Joseph’s Hawks)

SJU has always been a formidable Big 5 opponent, and this year they are no exception. The Hawks, coached by Mike Rhoades, have posted a 16‑12 record and a 10‑7 conference standing. Forward‑center C. J. Davis leads the team in scoring (13.2 points per game) while guard‑forward Jordan McDonald is the primary playmaker (5.9 assists per game). The Hawks have been praised for their athleticism and rebounding, and their defensive intensity—particularly in the last quarter of games—has earned them a reputation as a tough “door‑stopper” for any opponent.

University of Pennsylvania (Penn Quakers)

The Quakers have made a significant turnaround in the past two seasons. Head coach J. R. Holden’s “Fast‑Break” system has pushed Penn to a 14‑13 record, and the 2025‑26 roster includes star guard‑forward Janelle Bowers, who averages 12.8 points per game. Penn’s defensive strategy, a mix of man‑to‑man and full‑court press, will test the other teams’ endurance, especially in back‑to‑back games that the Classic demands.

Temple University (Temple Owls)

Temple, coached by Ryan Odom, finished the 2024‑25 season 17‑11, showcasing a balanced offense with guard‑forward Kayla “KJ” Jones leading the way with 11.5 points per game. Their interior defense has been the strength of the team, as highlighted by the 5.6 blocks per game that rank in the top three of the Atlantic 10. The Owls’ ability to protect the rim and convert fast‑break opportunities will be crucial against the more methodical Big 5 opponents.

University of Delaware (Delaware Fightin’ Blue Hens)

Although Delaware is the smallest program on the roster, they have a history of surprise in the Classic, making the tournament the only time they have ever beaten a team from the other four schools in the same season. Under Coach John McCool, the Fightin’ Blue Hens finished 12‑18 overall and 7‑11 in conference play. Their star guard, Jordan "J-Dog" Daniels, averages 13.4 points per game and is known for his three‑point shooting accuracy (38% from beyond the arc). Delaware’s defensive scheme, a high‑pressure zone, could be the catalyst that upsets a more established team.

Key Players to Watch

• Kiana Brown (Villanova) – A dynamic guard with a keen eye for the rim, Brown will be essential in stretching the defense and creating space for her teammates.
• C. J. Davis (SJU) – As the Hawks’ primary scoring option, Davis’s ability to finish both inside and outside will keep the Wildcats on their toes.
• Janelle Bowers (Penn) – Her play‑making ability and defensive hustle will make her a focal point for the Quakers.
• Kayla “KJ” Jones (Temple) – A versatile forward who can score from the post and from the perimeter.
• Jordan “J-Dog” Daniels (Delaware) – A sharpshooter who can spark a comeback with timely three‑point bursts.

Coaches’ Outlook

• Kyle Neptune (Villanova) will emphasize disciplined play and a “two‑tempo” system that blends fast breaks with structured set plays. His focus will be on maintaining the Wildcats’ low‑pressure defensive approach while allowing for offensive fluidity.

• Mike Rhoades (SJU) will prioritize a high‑energy defense and quick transition offense. Rhoades, a former player at Villanova himself, will likely deploy a “stack” defensive strategy to limit the Wildcats’ guard play.

• J. R. Holden (Penn) will push for aggressive rebounding and counter‑attacks. Holden’s penchant for “triple‑double” minutes for his top players will add a layer of unpredictability to the game plan.

• Ryan Odom (Temple) will emphasize perimeter shooting and quick ball movement. Temple’s experience in high‑pressure moments should be a significant advantage in the Classic’s tight games.

• John McCool (Delaware) will focus on a zone defense that will frustrate the other teams’ offenses. Delaware’s coaching staff’s emphasis on conditioning will be critical given the three‑game span.

Historical Context & Significance

The Big 5 Classic has been a fixture in Philadelphia’s basketball calendar since 1995, originally conceived to bring together the city’s five college programs in a condensed, high‑profile tournament. Over the years, the Classic has become a showcase for rising stars, a testing ground for new coaching strategies, and a source of local pride. The 2025 edition will be the first to feature Villanova’s new head coach, a change that many fans hope will reignite the Wildcats’ dominance in the region. Meanwhile, SJU’s historic rivalry with Villanova, dating back to the early 2000s when the Hawks famously upset the Wildcats on the road, adds an extra layer of drama.

The Classic also serves as a vital scouting platform for professional teams. The National Basketball Association (NBA) and Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) have regularly used the tournament to evaluate prospects, and the 2025 Classic’s roster includes several players who have already been drafted in the past two years.

Expectations & Predictions

Given the current form of the teams, the most probable outcome is Villanova taking the Classic crown, especially with their strong defensive record and balanced offense. SJU will likely be the next strongest contender, capable of knocking down a top‑seeded opponent in a high‑stakes matchup. Penn’s resurgence could see them upset either the Owls or the Fightin’ Blue Hens. Temple’s defensive prowess and Delaware’s knack for surprise victories suggest that the tournament could see an unexpected twist in the later rounds.

In any case, the 2025 Big 5 Classic promises a microcosm of college basketball’s best qualities: intense rivalries, dynamic playmaking, strategic coaching, and the unyielding enthusiasm of Philadelphia fans. Whether you’re a local supporter, a college‑basketball aficionado, or a casual observer, this Classic is set to deliver moments of brilliance that will echo through the city’s storied history.