'Cats survive Navy scare

Well, it shouldn't have been this exciting, but Villanova escaped with a win over a Navy team audacious enough to make 14 (mostly open) three-pointers. The Wildcats eked out a 78-68 victory that was much closer than the final score indicates.

The game was not televised, and I was only able to follow along on the radio, so no player grades this time. Villanova's official PR machine was all over this one, though, with the box score, the recap, the post-game "notes," the post-game "quotes," and even a special 'Nova Notebook feature story.

A highlight video of the game from YouTube is embedded in the bottom part of this post.

Nova News also runs a nice recap with pictures.

Sometimes good teams have off nights, and hopefully this was one of them for the Wildcats. If Villanova plays with the same kind of lax defense and lack of urgency in the Big East, the 'Cats could well be NIT-bound.

Congratulations to reader "SleasFest," who most closely predicted the game's final score.

Next up for Villanova is coach Jay Wright's birthday on Dec. 24. He turns 47. After the holiday, The Wildcats have a home date with Temple on Dec. 29 in their Big 5 finale.

'Nova sets sail vs. Navy tonight

#18 Villanova (10-1) vs. Navy (8-3)
7:30 p.m., 22 December at the Pavilion.

TV: None. Video available online via "Nova Nation All-Access" or (hopefully) free Channelsurfing (not working at gametime, see radio link below)

Audio: Here -- WMP for Windows or Mac required.

Line: OFF

Villanova returns from its longest layoff this season for a Christmas cupcake match against Navy at the Pavilion tonight.



The Wildcats remain at #18 in the AP poll this afternoon after having the week off.

Navy hails from the Patriot League and is sitting on a respectable 8-3 record. The Midshipmen are coming off a bad loss against an atrocious Canisius team, however, and should pose no threat to Villanova's holiday celebrations.

Take a look at the game previews from VBTN, IBBW, VUhoops, and Nova News.

I have yet to see a book set a line for this game yet, but I would set it at Villanova -23.

Predict tonight's final score in the comment section below. The closest guess will win a mention in the game recap.

Radio for tonight

Tonight's game vs. Navy at 7:30 is not airing on television, so for all of you unable to make it to the Pavilion, there are some options to listen to the game on the radio.

WNAV 1430 AM (Annapolis, Md.) will have the game, and you can listen to its Internet stream for free. (Realplayer required.)

WPEN 950 AM (Philadelphia) will also have the game. The streaming link is here, but I can't get it to work on my computer. Maybe you will have better luck.