The West Virginia Mountaineers (6-1, 0-0) will square off against the Villanova Wildcats (5-2, 0-0) on Monday. Let’s look at which squad will come out on top. Read more: WVU Mountaineers vs. Villanova Wildcats Preview – Dec. 1, 2025.
Tipoff
When: Monday, Dec. 1, 2025 @ 7:00 PM EST
Where: Hope Coliseum, Morgantown, WV
TV: ESPN+
WVU suffered its first loss of the season against Ohio State
The Mountaineers saw their six-game win streak come to an end with an 83-81 loss to Ohio State.
Read: WVU’s unbeaten run ends in the Bahamas vs. Ohio State
West Virginia held an early 17-15 advantage after the opening quarter. And the Mountaineers overcame a two-point deficit halftime deficit, thanks to a 30-22 scoring edge in the third quarter, resulting in a six-point lead heading into the final frame.
Ohio State trailed 80-79 in the waning moments. However, Elsa Lemmila knocked down a jumper with 24.9 seconds left to play in regulation.
After WVU came up empty on the ensuing possession and was forced to foul, Ava Watson hit a pair of free throws, giving OSU an 83-80 lead with three seconds remaining. The Mountaineers had one last chance to tie the game after Sydney Shaw was fouled on a 3-point attempt.
Unfortunately, Shaw hit just one of three free throws, securing the win for Ohio State. Gia Cooke was one of four starters who reached double figures.
She led the way with 24 points, three rebounds, and two assists. Kierra Wheeler registered 19 points, 14 rebounds, and four assists on 9-for-12 shooting from the field.
Villanova is aiming for its fourth straight win
After suffering a 73-68 loss to Princeton, the Villanova Wildcats have won each of their last three contests. This includes a 66-54 victory against the La Salle Explorers.
The Wildcats raced out to a 36-21 lead at intermission and held a nine-point advantage entering the fourth quarter. But the Explorers did not go away quietly, trimming the deficit to 48-43.
However, Villanova responded with a game-changing 9-0 burst that propelled the team to a double-digit victory. Brynn McCurry was one of three starters who tallied double-digit scoring totals.
She finished with 18 points, along with seven rebounds, five assists, and two steals. Jasmine Bascoe added 16 points and four rebounds, while Kennedy Henry contributed 11 points and four rebounds.
The Wildcats held La Salle to 14 percent shooting from beyond the arc and converted 23 turnovers into 29 points.
WVU vs. Villanova: Who has the edge?
Although it will be a close one, look for the Wildcats to come out on top in this matchup.
Prediction: Villanova
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