Good Morning, Nova Nation 2/18: X Marks The Spot

'Cats Move To 7-1 On The Road In BIG EAST with OT win at Xavier

February 18, 2026

The Official Newsletter of Villanova Athletics

Good Morning, Nova Nation. Folks, he’s only a freshman! What a win for the ‘Cats!

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

🏀 X Marks The Spot
🥍 Bragging Rights Secured
🏆 Eye On The Prize
🔷 And much more!

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🔼 X Marks The Spot. Road conference games are not for the faint of heart.

The Villanova men’s hoops team battled and fought their way to a tough 92-89 road victory over Xavier on Tuesday night in Cincinnati.

All five Villanova starters finished in double-figures led by Acaden Lewis, who poured in 21 points, dished out six assists and grabbed seven rebounds. Duke Brennan continued his strong play with another double-double, chipping in 10 points, grabbing 13 rebounds and also handed out a career-high six assists.

With the win at Xavier on Tuesday, the ‘Cats improved to 7-1 on the road in BIG EAST play.

When was the last time Villanova won seven or more road conference games in a single-season?

Got a guess?

Scroll to the bottom to see if you know your stuff!

🔼 Hosting The Huskies. The top-two teams in the BIG EAST standings are set to face-off at Finneran Pavilion tonight as the top-ranked and undefeated UConn Huskies roll into town for a primetime showdown.

Tip time on Peacock is set for 7 p.m.

🔼 Young Gun. The youth of the Villanova women’s hoops program continues to shine as Kennedy Henry picked up her second straight Philadelphia Big Five Rookie of the Week accolade.

In the ‘Cats two wins last week, Henry averaged 11.5 points, 6.5 steals and 4.5 rebounds per game.

Win a round-trip ride with Insomnia Cookies to the Villanova vs. UConn Men's Basketball game at Xfinity Mobile Arena Saturday February 21st!

🔼 Bragging Rights Secured. In a typical rivalry matchup, it was a back-and-forth battle on Tuesday afternoon, but a six-goal first quarter proved to be the difference as the Villanova women’s lacrosse team earned a 13-9 victory over Saint Joseph’s.

Elena Torres put forth a season-best six points on four goals and two assists while Bella Piselli scored a quartet of goals as well. Emma Verhoest dominated draw controls, winning 14 herself to lead her team to a 20-4 edge in the category.

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🔼 Eyes On The Prize. All the offseason workouts. All the early morning wake-ups. It all leads up to this.

The Villanova swimming & diving squads have their eyes on the prize as the BIG EAST Championships get underway today in Ocala, Fla.

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.

Wednesday, February 18
👟 Guided Mill Tours at Newlin Grist Mill
🏀 Women’s Basketball vs. #1 UConn @ 7pm l Peacock l Tickets
🏊 Swimming at BIG EAST Championships (Ocala, Fla.)

Thursday, February 19
🎶 Live Entertainment at Streetlight Kitchen & Bar
🤽 Women’s Water Polo vs. Princeton @ 7pm
🏊 Swimming at BIG EAST Championships (Ocala, Fla.)

Friday, February 20
⛳️ Fore! The Planet Indoor Mini Golf at Linvilla Orchards
🥎 Softball vs. UMass @ 9:30am (Boca Raton, Fla.)
🥎 Softball vs. Kansas @ 12pm (Boca Raton, Fla.)
⚾️ Baseball at Lipscomb @ 3pm
🏊 Swimming at BIG EAST Championships (Ocala, Fla.)

Saturday, February 21
🍷 Wine & Chocolate Tasting at Penns Woods Winery
🥍 Women’s Lacrosse vs. Rutgers @ 12pm
🥎 Softball vs. Kansas @ 12pm (Boca Raton, Fla.)
🥍 Men’s Lacrosse at Rutgers @ 1pm
⚾️ Baseball at Lipscomb @ 2pm
🥎 Softball at Florida Atlantic @ 4pm
🏀 Men’s Basketball vs. #6 UConn @ 5:30pm l Xfinity Mobile Arena l TNT & truTV l Tickets
🎾 Women’s Tennis vs. Colgate @ 6pm
🎾 Men’s Tennis vs. Colgate @ 6:30pm
🏊 Swimming at BIG EAST Championships (Ocala, Fla.)

Sunday, February 22
🎭 PCS Theater Presents: Rapunzel! Rapunzel! A Very Hairy Fairy Tale
🥎 Softball vs. Southern Indiana @ 9am (Boca Raton, Fla.)
⚾️ Baseball at Lipscomb @ 1pm
🏀 Women’s Basketball vs. Marquette @ 3:30pm l Peacock l Tickets
⛳️ Men’s Golf at Savannah Intercollegiate (Savannah, Ga.)

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Have a great one, Nova Nation!