Xavier Upsets No. 1 Villanova 10 Years Ago

Xavier's 90-83 victory over the top-ranked Wildcats was a defining moment in the program's history.

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Ten years ago today, on February 24, 2016, the No. 5 Xavier Musketeers defeated the No. 1 Villanova Wildcats 90-83 in front of a then-record crowd of 10,727 fans at Cintas Center. It was Xavier's first Big East win over Villanova since joining the conference in 2013 and remains the program's last victory over a No. 1-ranked team.

Why it matters

The win over Villanova, the gold standard of the Big East under coach Jay Wright, helped cement Xavier's place in the conference after joining in 2013. It gave the program confidence and belief that they could compete with the best teams in the country.

The details

Xavier was able to dictate the tempo, playing fast and getting out in transition to neutralize Villanova's perimeter shooting. J.P. Macura provided a big spark off the bench, scoring 19 points including back-to-back 3-pointers late in the first half. Edmond Sumner, Trevon Bluiett, and Myles Davis also made key contributions as Xavier shot 50% from the field.

  • On February 24, 2016, Xavier beat No. 1 Villanova 90-83.
  • Earlier that season on New Year's Eve, Villanova had defeated Xavier 95-64.

The players

Chris Mack

The former Xavier head coach who led the team to the upset victory over Villanova.

Greg Christopher

The Xavier athletic director who arrived in 2013 as the school joined the Big East Conference.

Trevon Bluiett

A star player for Xavier who had 10 points in the win over Villanova.

J.P. Macura

A key contributor off the bench for Xavier, scoring 19 points including two big 3-pointers.

Edmond Sumner

The Xavier point guard who had 19 points and was 11-of-13 from the free throw line in the win.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I won't ever forget sitting in the coaches' locker room before the game and hearing our crowd through the walls. It was loud. It never let up.”

— Chris Mack, Former Xavier Head Coach

“It was honestly one of the scariest things. He essentially was unconscious. When that happens, you kind of lose focus on basketball.”

— J.P. Macura, Xavier Player

“It helped cement that Xavier belonged in the Big East. I don't mean that from a national perspective. I mean even within the Xavier community.”

— Greg Christopher, Xavier Athletic Director

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This win over Villanova was a defining moment for Xavier basketball, proving they could compete with the best teams in the Big East and cementing their place in the conference after joining in 2013. The electric atmosphere and team performance gave the program a boost of confidence that carried over to future seasons.