Which Big 5 team has more to prove in Thursday’s WBIT quarterfinal: Villanova or St. Joe’s?

This clash between two of the best women's teams in the Big 5 will determine who moves on to the first Final Four of the renamed Women's Basketball Invitation Tournament.

If you’re wondering what history exactly, this will be the first time since the NCAA renamed the tournament, which previously was called the Women’s NIT. This is the first year of the renamed consolation tournament, and both Villanova and St. Joseph’s will look to be a part of the WBIT’s Final Four on April 1.It’s too close to determine which team will move on as both programs have been tough to beat — and in the case of the Hawks, downright dominant — for much of the season. No.

On the other side, Villanova has a potent offense but one that starts and runs with senior guard Lucy Olsen. Olsen is averaging a career-high 23.6 points and is the third-leading scorer in the nation — but she’s also the only Villanova player who averagesHowever, while Olsen is the nucleus, the Wildcats were able to spread the floor and remain competitive against stronger competition. Still, St. Joe’s approach of being able to get points by committee could offer an advantage.

However, the edge goes to the Wildcats here, mainly thanks to Dalce, given her size and propensity to be a physical presence in the lane.This one is extremely close. Statistically, one might not find two more evenly matched teams. So it comes down to who would have more redemption from winning the WBIT. That edge goes slightly to the Hawks. This St. Joe’s collective had just two losses deep into February and still managed just a single vote in the Associated Press women’s top 25.

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