Villanova and Providence played to an instant classic during their college lacrosse game at the Big East Tournament. The Wildcats mounted an epic second-half comeback in the pouring rain to advance to the conference championship against the No. 1 Georgetown Hoyas.
However, the final score was not the story!
College lacrosse plays 15-minute quarters. The Friars were ahead by one goal, 8-7, at halftime and scored six goals during the fourth quarter— but it still was not enough. Villanova scored nine goals in the second half to tie their season-high for goals scored during the 16-14 victory.
Weather was a big factor throughout the entire night. It was really coming down in Denver as the No. 2 seed came from behind to defeat the No. 3 seed.
The torrential downpour did not have an impact on the Wildcats offense. Nor did it stop either side from getting physical. Providence laid a vicious hit on Villanova during the first half as the rain started to change from a sprinkle to a drizzle. It would’ve been flagged for targeting if it was football!
Still can’t get over this hit man HOLY MOLY 💥 pic.twitter.com/Wdg0mce8hz
— AP (@pooleskis) May 2, 2025
Not long thereafter, the Friars started to get desperate. They saw their lead evaporate during the Wildcats’ six-goal third quarter and tried to take advantage of the system. To do so, they tried to draw a penalty with an extremely obvious flop.
A Providence player walked up to Villanova’s huddle and tapped defenseman Beau Kemler on the butt. Freshman goalie Denis Fargione did not appreciate the behavior and shoved him. The Friar attackman fell to the ground as if he was hit by a sniper. It was a clear attempt to draw a penalty.
The boys are buzzin pic.twitter.com/TS2aZ1OHht
— Bodega (@ethan_bodie) May 2, 2025
To Providence’s credit, it worked. Both players received a brief penalty.
Unfortunately for the Friars, Fargione did not lose his composure like they might’ve hoped. He stayed locked in to close out the victory. Not even an instigative butt tap could keep him from losing focus. The Wildcats overcame a slobberknocker, a deficit and a flop to win!