In addition to scrimmaging Duke on Oct. 23, Villanova will have another "secret" scrimmage on Sunday against Rutgers.
The Scarlet Knights are in a somewhat interesting position heading into 2021-22. They are looking to build on last season's success, which saw the program earn its first NCAA Tournament berth and first NCAA Tournament win in over 30 years. The team lost three key contributors to the transfer portal, but return five other contributors. Last year's team finished in the top 20 in KenPom's defensive efficiency rankings.
Rutgers enters the season widely considered a top 50 team, expected to earn a middle-of-the-pack finish in a strong Big Ten. That would have them in the mix for another NCAA Tournament trip.
It should be a good first taste of inter-squad competition for the Wildcats, and combined with the scrimmage against Duke should help to prepare the Cats for a tough non-conference slate that starts with a trip to UCLA on Nov. 12 in the second game of the season.
The Scarlet Knights are in a somewhat interesting position heading into 2021-22. They are looking to build on last season's success, which saw the program earn its first NCAA Tournament berth and first NCAA Tournament win in over 30 years. The team lost three key contributors to the transfer portal, but return five other contributors. Last year's team finished in the top 20 in KenPom's defensive efficiency rankings.
Rutgers enters the season widely considered a top 50 team, expected to earn a middle-of-the-pack finish in a strong Big Ten. That would have them in the mix for another NCAA Tournament trip.
It should be a good first taste of inter-squad competition for the Wildcats, and combined with the scrimmage against Duke should help to prepare the Cats for a tough non-conference slate that starts with a trip to UCLA on Nov. 12 in the second game of the season.