More on the state of Big 5 hoops

Andrew wrote a great column and follow up Buzz post on how he views the Big 5 in light of Villanova's dominating win over Penn on Tuesday. (I also strongly urge you to read the comments on Andrew's column). I tend to agree that with every blowout loss to a Big 5 rival Penn makes itself less and less relevant in the city. But I don't think that means the end of the Big 5 is here, even for Penn. A couple of upset wins and the Quakers wouldd be right back in the thick of things.

Others seem to agree. Jonathan Tannenwald writes on Soft Pretzel Logic that after three Big 5 teams made the NCAA tournament last year, the rivalry is not on the decline. However, he does see Penn basketball interest decreasing. I too believe that. All you have to do is look at the fact that the Red and Blue Crew did not make any rollouts for the Villanova game. Instead the Penn Band did.*

Mike Kern doesn't really discuss the end of the Big 5, but his recap takes a look at the series through a decidedly more Villanova-centric lens than Andrew or even Jon did. His main point on the Big 5 is also valid. Namely, the Wildcats are in something of a no-win situation since either they win like they're expected to or they lose and 'Nova fans overreact. Simply put "...it's unlikely any other program in Villanova's position would continue playing so many of these games."

The Villanovan, on the other hand, did not even use the words "Big 5" in its recap of the game, save for the headline.

*Disclaimer: I am a member of the band.