VILLANOVA, Pa. – It has been a Nova Nation rite of March since 1983: a visit to Madison Square Garden for the BIG EAST Tournament.
 
That annual ritual will be celebrated again Thursday night when the No. 3 seed Wildcats (24-7 overall, 15-5 BIG EAST) meet No. 6 seed DePaul or No. 11 seed Georgetown in a quarterfinal matchup slated to get underway at approximately 9:30 p.m.
 
FS1 will have the national telecast with Gus Johnson, Bill Raftery, and Allison Williams at the World's Most Famous Arena. Ryan Fannon and Whitey Rigsby will have the call on the Villanova Sports Radio Network (Fox Sports Radio Philadelphia, IHeart app, Sirius XM channel 117 and the Tunein app).
 
After a three-year absence from the BIG EAST Tournament, first-year Villanova head coach Kevin Willard is excited to be part of an event he very much grew up with as a Long Island resident.
 
"There is nothing like the Big East Tournament," Willard said on Tuesday. "I've played in it. I've coached in it. I still know four Syracuse fans that ask me for tickets every year because they still come to those games. I think it's something that's really special and I think you've just got to love it this time of year."
 
The Wildcats have produced wins – 24- the most ever by a first-year Villanova head coach. They won eight league road games, tying a program record. Four members of the squad were honored for their successful seasons on Sunday and Monday: Acaden Lewis (Second Team All-BIG EAST, All-Freshman); Duke Brennan (third Team All-BIG EAST); Tyler Perkins (Third Team All-BIG EAST and Most Improved); and Devin Askew (Sixth Man of the Year.)
 
"The message is just to enjoy it," Willard said of what he has told his team in advance of this week's basketball bonanza in Manhattan. "In today's college era, your agents are calling you and you are already starting to think about next year. I just want these guys to enjoy it. Let's not worry about what's going to happen next year."
 
Without the services of redshirt freshman Matt Hodge, lost to a torn ACL in his right knee on Feb. 28, the Wildcats' depth is bit shallower than it was previously. That and the wear and tear of a 31-game regular season – plus two exhibition games – must be considered during game preparation.
 
"Staying healthy and fresh this time of year is the most important thing," Willard said. "I think we're playing really (well) offensively. Guys are understanding their roles, we're passing the ball nicely. It's an exciting time of the year."
 
This is the Wildcats' second visit to the Garden in less than two weeks. Although the eventual BIG EAST champion Red Storm posted an 89-57 win that night, Willard thinks that being in that setting will help a young roster.
 
"We didn't play very well against St. John's," said Willard. "But at least being in the Garden (before) in that great atmosphere will give us a little bit of help."
 
Thursday night's winner advances to the BIG EAST semifinals Friday night against the winner of Thursday night's first game.
 
Villanova finished 1-1 in each of its last three BIG EAST Tournament appearances since claiming the 2022 BIG EAST Tournament crown.