LAS VEGAS, Nev. – When the Villanova Wildcats tip off Tuesday here at the College Basketball Crown Tournament, nearly three weeks will have passed since their most recent action, a March 13 loss to Connecticut at the BIG EAST Tournament presented by Jeep. But that's not a pressing concern for the Wildcats.
 
"It's been a little different than we're used to," noted Interim Head Coach Mike Nardi. "But our guys are excited to be here competing together and representing this program and Villanova University."
 
Of course, in that period Villanova Men's Basketball has made a substantial change in leadership. Nardi, the former Wildcats' guard (2003-07), moves over from his assistant's chair to lead this program in this 16-team event that got underway today, replacing former coach Kyle Neptune. On Sunday, it was announced that Kevin Willard, who led Maryland to the NCAA Tournament Sweet 16 last week, will take the reins moving forward.
 
The Wildcats take on Colorado in the opening round here Tuesday at 8:30 p.m. eastern time. FS1 will have the national broadcast from MGM Garden Arena with Kevin Kugler, Robbie Hummel and sideline reporter Kim Adams on the call. Ryan Fannon and Whitey Rigsby will have the audio call on the Villanova Sports Network on IHeart (Fox Sports Philadelphia).
 
Those with an eye towards history will note that the Wildcats will be in action on the 40^th anniversary of the school's epic 1985 victory in the NCAA championship game over a heavily favored Georgetown team, 66-64.
 
This is also Villanova's first ever appearance in the state of Nevada.
 
On Monday, Nardi led the Wildcats through an upbeat practice at a local basketball facility (a slate of four opening round games in the College Basketball Crown prevented VU from using the facility where it will play Tuesday's contest). Villanova arrived here Sunday, following a charter flight from Philadelphia.
 
This is just the second all-time meeting between the Buffaloes (14-20 overall, 3-17 Big 12) and Wildcats. Colorado posted a 79-56 victory on Dec. 27, 1999 in the opening round of the Rainbow Classic in Honolulu.
 
Another element in this matchup is the pursuit of an historic milestone by fifth year forward Eric Dixon. The native of Willow Grove, Pa., named a third team All-American by the Associated Press and United States Basketball Writers Association, enters Tuesday's game with 2,235 career points, eight shy of the program record held since 1996 by former All-American Kerry Kittles (2,243).
 
Dixon has led the nation in scoring since January. He enters this contest with a 23.0 points per game average. Northern Arizona's Trenton McLaughlin (22.1 ppg) is in second place. Paul Arizin is the only other Wildcat to have led the nation in scoring.
 
"This program has given me so much," said Nardi, a member of the coaching staff since 2015-16. "I'm just grateful for the opportunity to give something back."
 
The winner of Tuesday night's game advances to a quarterfinal contest on Thursday against the winner of the game between Tulane and USC.
 
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