 | The City 6 stumbled out of the gate this weekend as the 2014-2015 season got underway. Overall, the six teams went 3-3, with three disappointing losses and three not-so-impressive wins. Without further adieu, let's jump into the Week 1 City 6 Rankings. |
Rank (Record; Previous Ranking)
6. Penn (0-1; 6)
Penn kicked off their season on Saturday afternoon at the Palestra against Delaware State in disappointing fashion, and as a result, stay put in the six spot in the Week 1 rankings. The Quakers struggled down the stretch, eventually falling to the Hornets in overtime 77-75.
Penn coach Jerome Allen seemed optimistic following the loss that this team is heading in the right direction, which would be welcomed with open arms by Penn fans after a few rough seasons.
5. Drexel (0-1; 5)
An injury-riddled Drexel squad kicked off their season on the road Friday night, being outmatched by Colorado in a 65-48 loss to the Buffaloes. While the Dragons saw Damion Lee make his return to the court in the game, they were without the services of Kazembe Abif (knee) and Major Canady (ankle), both of whom are out for the season.
It could be another rough year for Bruiser Flint and his squad, but one positive that can be taken from the loss is the play of Drexel's guards, as Lee scored 12 in his return and Tavon Allen added 16 off the bench.
4. Saint Joseph's (0-1; 3)
The Hawks hung their A-10 Championship banner prior to the season opener at Hagan Arena Friday night, and hung their heads following a buzzer-beater loss to Fairleigh Dickinson. Having lost three starters from a year ago, Saint Joseph's is clearly in the process of a rebuild, with Friday's 58-57 loss being a prime example of that.
It could be a rough year on Hawk Hill. On the bright side, there should be plenty of playing time up for grabs on this young squad for players to develop, as Phil Martelli and his program look toward the future.
3. La Salle (1-0; 4)
The Explorers jump Saint Joseph's in the Week 1 rankings after knocking off Colgate 57-52 on Saturday at Gola Arena. It wasn't the prettiest of victories, but there were some good signs in from La Salle in the season opener.
Jerrell Wright kicked off the season on a good note, scoring 10 points and grabbing 13 rebounds for a double-double in the victory. Auburn transfer Jordan Price had 8 points, 3 rebounds and 4 assists in his Explorer debut, and redshirt junior guard Khalid Lewis scored 9, as the Explorers showed some decent depth in the first game of the season.
2. Temple (1-0; 2)
Temple looked like a completely different team from a year ago in their season opener Friday night. That is both a good thing and a bad thing. The Owls' defense looked vastly improved from last season and Fran Dunphy seemed happy with his squad's efforts on the defensive end.
The offense was a different story, however, as the Owls managed just 40 points against a tough American zone. Temple's 40 points for the win were its lowest since a 38-37 win against Penn State on February 8, 1947, so the Owls will need to get things going offensively if they want to avoid another disappointing season.
1. Villanova (1-0; 1)
Villanova didn't exactly get off to the start they would've liked to on Friday night against Lehigh, but in the end were able to gut out a victory. Trailing 46-40 with just more than 15 minutes left in the game, the Wildcats went on a 22-7 run to take the lead, but the Mountain Hawks would keep the game uncomfortably close until the end.
In the end, Jay Wright's squad emerged with a 77-66 win over Lehigh. While it was not the prettiest victory, a win is a win, and the Wildcats look poised to be the top team in the city yet again.
By: Kyle Babcock
Follow us on Twitter: @BroadStBeat
6. Penn (0-1; 6)
Penn kicked off their season on Saturday afternoon at the Palestra against Delaware State in disappointing fashion, and as a result, stay put in the six spot in the Week 1 rankings. The Quakers struggled down the stretch, eventually falling to the Hornets in overtime 77-75.
Penn coach Jerome Allen seemed optimistic following the loss that this team is heading in the right direction, which would be welcomed with open arms by Penn fans after a few rough seasons.
5. Drexel (0-1; 5)
An injury-riddled Drexel squad kicked off their season on the road Friday night, being outmatched by Colorado in a 65-48 loss to the Buffaloes. While the Dragons saw Damion Lee make his return to the court in the game, they were without the services of Kazembe Abif (knee) and Major Canady (ankle), both of whom are out for the season.
It could be another rough year for Bruiser Flint and his squad, but one positive that can be taken from the loss is the play of Drexel's guards, as Lee scored 12 in his return and Tavon Allen added 16 off the bench.
4. Saint Joseph's (0-1; 3)
The Hawks hung their A-10 Championship banner prior to the season opener at Hagan Arena Friday night, and hung their heads following a buzzer-beater loss to Fairleigh Dickinson. Having lost three starters from a year ago, Saint Joseph's is clearly in the process of a rebuild, with Friday's 58-57 loss being a prime example of that.
It could be a rough year on Hawk Hill. On the bright side, there should be plenty of playing time up for grabs on this young squad for players to develop, as Phil Martelli and his program look toward the future.
3. La Salle (1-0; 4)
The Explorers jump Saint Joseph's in the Week 1 rankings after knocking off Colgate 57-52 on Saturday at Gola Arena. It wasn't the prettiest of victories, but there were some good signs in from La Salle in the season opener.
Jerrell Wright kicked off the season on a good note, scoring 10 points and grabbing 13 rebounds for a double-double in the victory. Auburn transfer Jordan Price had 8 points, 3 rebounds and 4 assists in his Explorer debut, and redshirt junior guard Khalid Lewis scored 9, as the Explorers showed some decent depth in the first game of the season.
2. Temple (1-0; 2)
Temple looked like a completely different team from a year ago in their season opener Friday night. That is both a good thing and a bad thing. The Owls' defense looked vastly improved from last season and Fran Dunphy seemed happy with his squad's efforts on the defensive end.
The offense was a different story, however, as the Owls managed just 40 points against a tough American zone. Temple's 40 points for the win were its lowest since a 38-37 win against Penn State on February 8, 1947, so the Owls will need to get things going offensively if they want to avoid another disappointing season.
1. Villanova (1-0; 1)
Villanova didn't exactly get off to the start they would've liked to on Friday night against Lehigh, but in the end were able to gut out a victory. Trailing 46-40 with just more than 15 minutes left in the game, the Wildcats went on a 22-7 run to take the lead, but the Mountain Hawks would keep the game uncomfortably close until the end.
In the end, Jay Wright's squad emerged with a 77-66 win over Lehigh. While it was not the prettiest victory, a win is a win, and the Wildcats look poised to be the top team in the city yet again.
By: Kyle Babcock
Follow us on Twitter: @BroadStBeat
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