Revisiting BC vs. Villanova in 2005

BC and Villanova enter this Friday’s game as very different teams from last season. Both have tweaked their styles slightly. Both are coming in with a lot of confidence. And both have been tested in a variety of settings.

Yet the core group of both teams is very similar to the cores that met last season. The two split the series, with BC winning the first at Conte and Villanova evening the score back in Philadelphia.

Friday is a whole new ball game, but perhaps there are some lessons from last year.

Game 1: January 19, 2005. Chestnut Hill

BC completed a late comeback as Jared Dudley iced two free throws with seconds left. The final two points capped a huge night from Dudley (36 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists and 3 steals). BC built up a big lead early in the second half only to watch Villanova take control of the game with some big 3s. The story of the game -- besides Dudley -- was BC’s ability to shut down Villanova in the final minutes. Foye had a big game. Allan Ray did not. Craig Smith’s effort was mixed. He scored 12 but missed plenty of shots and turned the ball over four times.

Game 2: February 23, 2005. Villanova

Villanova got out to a huge lead by killing BC from the 3-point line early in the game. BC clawed its way back and held Villanova without a field goal for a nine minute stretch. Villanova bounced back with some more big 3s. BC forced fouls late but was unable to close the gap. Big nights from Craig Smith and Foye. Dudley came back down to Earth and Villanova was without Nardi.

Many have said this will be a good contrast of style. Last year’s battle produced two close games with unique moments of explosiveness and ineffectiveness -- within each game -- from both teams. If BC wins, this might be the start of a series of matchups against former Big East foes.