Colorado Buffaloes vs Villanova Wildcats Picks and Predictions April 1st 2025

Villanova vs. Colorado: Interim Coach Mike Nardi Leads Wildcats in Crown Tournament

As the College Basketball Crown tournament kicks off in Las Vegas, Villanova will have a new coach on the sidelines as interim boss Mike Nardi leads the Wildcats into their first-round matchup with Colorado on Tuesday.

Villanova’s Coaching Shakeup

The Villanova Wildcats (19-14) have undergone a major change after parting ways with head coach Kyle Neptune on March 15. Neptune’s tenure was marked by consistent struggles, including missing the NCAA Tournament in all three seasons he coached the team. The school decided to make a change, with former assistant coach Mike Nardi stepping up on an interim basis. Nardi, a former four-year starter for Villanova under legendary coach Jay Wright (2004-07), is eager to guide the team through the rest of the season.

“The program has been built on attitude,” Nardi said. “It’s my responsibility now to lead the team and finish this season the right way. We’re honoring all the former players and coaches who have worn this jersey, and our guys are buying into that.”

Nardi’s appointment as interim head coach has brought a fresh perspective to the program. His deep understanding of Villanova’s legacy under Jay Wright, the coach who led the team to two national championships, will surely have an impact as the Wildcats look to finish the season strong despite the mid-season coaching change.

New Leadership, Same High Expectations

Despite their underwhelming season, the Wildcats showed glimpses of brilliance, especially in wins over ranked opponents such as UConn, St. John’s, and Marquette. However, it wasn’t enough to secure Neptune’s future with the program. The school announced over the weekend that Kevin Willard, head coach at Maryland, will take over the team once the College Basketball Crown tournament concludes.

Unfortunately, Willard will not have the services of star forward Eric Dixon, who has been sidelined. Dixon, a third-team All-American and fifth-year senior, enters the tournament with a career total of 2,235 points, just eight shy of breaking the school record held by Kerry Kittles. Dixon is also the nation’s leading scorer this season, averaging 23.0 points per game. His absence will undoubtedly impact the Wildcats’ chances, but Nardi’s leadership and the team’s resolve could make all the difference.

Villanova’s Key Players to Watch

With Eric Dixon unavailable, the Wildcats will rely on several players to step up and lead the team. Justin Moore, who averaged 15.3 points per game, and Brandon Slater, known for his versatility, will need to elevate their game to help the team push through the tournament.

Moore, who has proven himself as a clutch performer, will likely take on a bigger role in the absence of Dixon. Slater, with his ability to impact the game on both ends of the court, will also be crucial to Villanova’s success. If these two players can provide consistent scoring and defense, the Wildcats will have a chance to make a deep run in the tournament.

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Colorado Buffaloes: Dynamic Scorers Lead the Way

Colorado (14-20) comes into the game with a dynamic duo in Julian Hammond III and Andrej Jakimovski, who are both capable of putting up big numbers. Hammond has averaged 12.5 points per game, while Jakimovski is right behind with 10.4 points per game. The two combined have made 105 three-pointers this season, giving Colorado a significant edge from beyond the arc.

Jakimovski was especially impressive in the Big 12 tournament quarterfinals, scoring 25 points against Houston, although the Buffaloes ultimately lost 77-68. Despite the defeat, Colorado showed resilience, a quality that coach Tad Boyle is proud of. “Our guys battled,” Boyle said. “We came here with a new season in mind, and we played like it. I’m proud of these guys for the way they competed.”

The Buffaloes also have solid contributors like Tristan da Silva and KJ Simpson, who can provide a boost on both sides of the ball. If Hammond and Jakimovski continue their hot shooting, Colorado will be a tough opponent for Villanova in this high-stakes tournament.

Villanova vs. Colorado: A Clash of Styles and Stories

Although Villanova and Colorado have only met once before—way back on December 27, 1999, when the Buffaloes claimed a 79-56 victory—this game has more than just the historical connection. Both teams are battling for their postseason lives, and with the stakes high in the College Basketball Crown tournament, this game will be intense.

While Villanova will rely on the leadership of interim coach Mike Nardi and the remaining players, including Justin Moore and Brandon Slater, Colorado will lean on their high-scoring pair of Hammond and Jakimovski. This clash of styles—Villanova’s grit and Colorado’s offensive firepower—could set the tone for the rest of the tournament.

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The Stakes: More Than Just a Game

The winner of this matchup will advance to play in the next round of the College Basketball Crown tournament, with a chance to secure $300,000 in NIL earnings. The stakes are high for both teams, and the outcome of this game could have lasting implications for the future of both programs.

For Villanova, this tournament offers a chance to rebuild the program’s reputation under new leadership, while Colorado will look to prove that their resilience and offensive firepower can take them to new heights.

What’s Next for Villanova and Colorado?

After the first-round game, the winner will face off against the winner of the Texas A&M vs. Oklahoma State matchup. As both teams have shown in their respective conferences, they are more than capable of making noise in a tournament like the College Basketball Crown.

For Villanova, a deep run could help alleviate the disappointment of a tumultuous season and provide a positive momentum shift as the program prepares for a new era under Kevin Willard. For Colorado, this tournament offers an opportunity to build upon their impressive individual performances and give the program a boost as they head into the offseason.