By John Knebels
VILLANOVA – At the end of the day, it was a nice win. It didn’t move the needle in the Big East Conference standings. Didn’t necessarily give Villanova a potentially better draw in the post-season.
But no one can ever plop a tangible ceiling on lifelong memories.
So after ‘Nova junior Ryanne Allen’s rebound put-back with four-tenths of a second remaining clinched the Wildcats’ 56-54 victory over Butler University Feb. 26 at the Finneran Pavilion, the subsequent exchange with family, friends, and community members couldn’t be categorized by any statistical measure.
“It’s memorable, but not necessarily because of the game winner or the way it ended,” said Allen. “It’s just the people. I’m a big people person. All these kids at the game, my parents, family, Kaitlyn’s family, just seeing everybody come back together and rally around them and rally around our team was amazing.”
Allen’s mention of “Kaitlyn” made the whole scenario worthy of a Rockwell. Kaitlyn Orihel, a Villanova four-year contributor, was one of six players (along with two student managers) honored on Senior Night. From 2019 through 2021, Allen and Orihel were teammates at Archbishop Wood High School, where together the dynamic duo won a Philadelphia Catholic League championship and a PIAA Class 5A state title in a storybook 2020-2021 season.
Game Highlights from Villanova's 56-54 win vs. Butler. (Video/ Ryan Nix for PSD)
Being on the floor in the closing seconds of a tie game, regardless of the basketball level, is thrilling. But being counted on by a program as consistently successful as Villanova’s speaks volumes of Villanova coach Denise Dillon’s trust.
After surrendering a five-point lead with 11 seconds left, Dillon called time. Freshman Jasmine Bascoe (15 points four steals) went for the win with a drive inside, but her shot fell short. Allen outmuscled Butler’s forwards to collect a rebound, and flipped home a short layup for her 10th point – and fourth board – of the night.
Desperate with four-tenths of a second at their disposal, Butler could not get a shot off, and the on-court celebration began.
“At the end of the day it’s a tie game,” said Allen. “If Jasmine makes it, great, but if she misses it, we still have a chance, so crash the boards and see what happens.”
After spending two seasons at Vanderbilt University, where on six occasions she scored in double figures, Allen has thrived in her first season on the Main Line.
Among her season highlights for a Villanova team that sits at 17-12 with one game remaining in the regular season, Allen scored 10 points versus Xavier, grabbed 10 rebounds against St. John’s, and nabbed four steals against Seton Hall.
Senior Archbishop Wood product Kaitlyn Orihel nails a big three-pointer in fourth quarter. (video/ John Knebels for PSD)
“I learned a lot from Vandy as a person and player, but coming home and playing for ‘Nova, I was able to find my smile again and my joy for the game,” said Allen. “This team and staff are a big part of that. I owe a lot to them and will forever be grateful for the opportunity to come back home and play here.”
BUZZER BEATER! Junior Archbishop Wood grad Ryanne Allen’s rebound bucket lifts Villanova past Butler, 56-54. (video/ John Knebels for PSD)
Villanova Junior Ryanne Allen gets some love from her teammates after game-winning basket .(Video/ John Knebels for PSD)
Plying her trade near her family was without question an exceedingly prudent decision.
“I love it,” said Allen. “I’m a big family person. It’s great to be so close to my parents. Playing for kids that have my jersey that are from here that grew up knowing me and watching me in high school. Just to have that sense of community here.”
In post-game conference, Ryanne Allen (center) talks about her Villanova experience. (video/ John Knebels for PSD)
Villanova coach Denise Dillon talks about her team, and in particular, her seniors. (Video/ John Knebels for PSD)
For those who followed Allen’s brilliant career at Archbishop Wood, where her 1,423 points are the second most all-time – not far behind Orihel’s record 1,475 – it was impossible not to notice two of the finest Vikings to ever put on a uniform supplying 40 percent of a lineup in the most pivotal time of the game on a Division I stage.
“I get flashbacks every time we’re out there together,” said Allen. “It’s just like high school again. Being back out there with her and it being senior night is really special.
“It doesn’t happen often. I definitely don’t take these memories for granted. I definitely hold them close to my heart. I’m really glad we could get a win for her and for the rest of the seniors.”
Among those most thrilled for Allen – and any other Archbishop Wood player who realizes her college basketball dream – was Wood coach Mike McDonald.
Just Like Old Times: Just like she did numerous times as a star at Archbishop Wood, Villanova junior Ryanne Allen talks about her key contribution to a victory. (Video/ John Knebels for PSD)
It seemed like just yesterday that Allen and Orihel were celebrating greatness as both individuals and teammates, especially in the magical season of 2020-21.
“Seeing our players make a winning play makes me proud,” said McDonald. “We do our best at Wood to emphasize making plays that impact the team winning.
“I love that Ryanne hustled to get the offensive rebound in order to help the team with the basket at the buzzer. Ryanne is an incredible teammate first and foremost, so I’m really proud of her always.”
Teammate Orihel, whose three-point field goal early in the fourth quarter tied the game at 40-40 and fueled a crucial 8-0 run, appreciated a rekindling of when she and Allen helped orchestrate a sterling overall 55-21 record during their three seasons together.
“It’s definitely fun to celebrate those moments together either way, especially on the court together,” said Orihel. “Watching her score the game winner was like watching it in slow motion.”
(Contact John Knebels at jknebels@gmail.com or on ‘X’ @johnknebels.)
