Villanova - Temple

I'm getting pretty fired up for tonight's game. I re-watched this classic 1988 Villanova- Temple game (at McGonigle Hall!) last night. At the time, the Owls were the #1 ranked team in the country and Villanova was #20 (before they expanded it to the Top 25). 

Wow, what a game. Many consider it one of if not the best game in City Series history.

Doug West, Mark Plansky, shot blocking and future Sixer Tim Perry, freshman Mark Macon, and Ramon Rivas. It also featured Rodney Taylor who passed away much too soon. For what it's worth, 7', 2" super stiff Tom Greis had a very solid game both offensively and defensively. 

I think both these teams went to the Final 8 that year. If the refs hadn't called a bunch of questionable bogus 5 second calls on Kenny Wilson, Nova could have (should have) knocked off Billy Tubbs' Oklahoma team with Stacey King, Mookie Blaylock, and Harvey Grant.

It was the last time a Big 5 matchup included the #1 team in the land. Until tonight. And as if the rivalry game and top ranking weren't big enough, Villanova can claim the Big 5 title with a win. A Temple win means a three team tie between Villanova, St. Joe's, and Temple all at 3-1. If only it were being played at the Palestra.

Go Nova!