City series celebrates 55th season
The Philadelphia Big 5, celebrating its 55th season, will commence the latest edition of the famed city series when the men’s basketball teams from Villanova University and the University of Pennsylvania meet Monday night at The Pavilion. Since the 1955-56 season, La Salle University, the University of Pennsylvania, Saint Joseph’s University, Temple University and Villanova University have played annually for the Big 5 title and citywide basketball bragging rights.
Monday night’s Penn-Villanova game will be the first of the 10 traditional Big 5 men’s matchups. Villanova is coming of a Final Four appearance last season and features Scottie Reynolds, a returning first team All-Big 5 selection. Once again, the Big 5 returns to the historic Palestra as Villanova and Saint Joseph’s play the first of five Big 5 games at the arena on Dec. 9.
On the women’s side, after winning four straight Big 5 titles outright, Temple shared last season’s crown with up-and-coming Saint Joseph’s. The Owls will be strong again as they return All-Big 5 selection LaKeisha Eaddy. The first women’s game will feature Penn at Villanova on Nov. 18.
As part of the commemorative 55th season, the Big 5 will induct three coaching legends — John Chaney, Speedy Morris and Rollie Massimino — into its Hall of Fame on Jan. 29, 2010 during a luncheon at the Palestra.
Full schedule (PDF)
