Good Morning, Nova Nation 12/17: Tomorrow, Tomorrow...

'Cats Set To Host Illinois State Tomorrow Night In FCS Semifinals

December 19, 2025

The Official Newsletter of Villanova Athletics

Good Morning, Nova Nation. Only one place you need to be tomorrow!

We’ll see you all at the Stadium!

What all do we have in today’s edition? Check it out below!

🏈 Tomorrow, Tomorrow
🏀 Friday Night Fever
✋ High Five
🔷 And much more!

Tommy’s Tavern + Tap is proud to be an Official Partner of Villanova Athletics!

🔼 Tomorrow, Tomorrow. No place better for the ‘Cats to hunt a spot in the National Championship than right at home!

Villanova will put the nation’s longest home winning streak (23) on the line tomorrow when the Redbirds of Illinois State come to town for a Saturday night showdown.

The ‘Cats will be making their fourth semifinal appearance, and are looking to advance to the National Championship for the second time in program history and first since 2009.

Kickoff on Saturday night is set for 7:30 pm on ESPN2.

As the leading destination resource in Delaware County, we offer visitors, students, and alumni of Villanova University the best recommendations for exploring all Delco has to offer. Whether you're in town cheering on the Wildcats, visiting campus, or just passing through, Visit Delco is your go-to guide for discovering top accommodations, attractions, dining experiences, and entertainment

🔼 Friday Night Fever. You can finish your last minute shopping online, right? We’ve got a hoops doubleheader to check out tonight for the Wildcats.

Winners of six straight, the Villanova women’s hoops squad returns to BIG EAST play when Seton Hall comes to town for a Friday night showdown at Finneran Pavilion.

Tip-off is set for 7 p.m. EST.

An hour later, you can flip on your phone and follow the men’s team, who hits the court in Milwaukee, Wisc. to battle the Badgers of Wisconsin in the Milwaukee Hoops Showdown.

Tip-off on FOX is set for 8 p.m. EST.

🔼 The Cup Crown. This week, a trio of former Wildcats added some hardware to their trophy case.

Jalen Brunson, Josh Hart and Mikal Bridges helped lead the New York Knicks to the 2025 NBA Cup Championship in Las Vegas on Tuesday night.

Brunson, who averaged 33.2 points and 5.8 assists in all six Cup games, was named the MVP of the event.

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🔼 High Five. Before stepping onto the field tomorrow night in the FCS Semifinals, the ‘Cats racked up national accolades.

A quintet of 'Cats were honored on Wednesday with Stats Perform All-America accolades, including a 1st Team nod for junior kick returner Ja'briel Mace, while Shane Hartzell and Stephane Voltaire were each selected to the 3rd Team.

A pair of Wildcats were also chosen for the Freshman All-America Team in redshirt freshman safety Anthony Hawkins and first-year punt returner Braden Reed.

🔼 Three Of A Kind. Add a few more accolades to this year’s Villanova men’s soccer squad in 2025.

The Philadelphia Soccer Six announced its end of season awards and Top XI on Wednesday afternoon with a trio of Wildcats being recognized.

Brody Crampton, Fynn Lahrsen and Michael teDuits were all honored.

What’s Ahead is brought to you by our friends at Visit Delco, the #1 source for information on all there is to see and do in Delaware County, PA. Find fantastic places to stay, incredible food and drink, and music and art—and you may even find a few surprises.

Friday, December 19
🎄 The Mill at Rockdale: Mill Works Creator Space Holiday Hang
🏀 Women’s Basketball vs. Seton Hall @ 7 pm
🏀 Men’s Basketball vs. Wisconsin @ 8 pm l FOX (Milwaukee, Wisc.)

Saturday, December 20
🌟 The Shooting Stars Holiday Spectacular
🏈 Football vs. Illinois State @ 7:30 pm l ESPN2 (FCS Playoffs - Semifinals)

Sunday, December 21
⛸️ Glice Skating Rink at Linvilla Orchards

Monday, December 22
🎄 Holidays at the Brandywine at the Brandywine Museum of Art
🏀 Women’s Basketball vs. St. John’s @ 12 pm

Tuesday, December 23
🍻 Quizzo Nights With Jonesy at Artillery Brewing Company
🏀 Men’s Basketball at Seton Hall @ 7 pm l NBC Sports/Peacock

Thursday, December 25
🎅 Merry Christmas

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Have a great one, Nova Nation!