Villanova to play in Europe

Villanova's basketball team will play five exhibition games in Europe in August.

The Wildcats will play in France, Luxembourg and the Netherlands from Aug. 7 to 16.

Villanova last traveled to Europe in August 2001 when they played in Italy.

"We're very excited to have this opportunity to travel to Europe as a basketball family," coach Jay Wright said in a statement. "This trip will give us a chance to grow together as a team and experience the culture of some amazing cities."

Villanova will spend 4 days in France and Luxembourg and will play a pair of games against opponents to be announced. The Wildcats then will play three consecutive days in Amsterdam, facing the national teams of Israel, Georgia and the Netherlands.

Villanova was 21-12 last year and earned an NCAA Tournament berth for the seventh consecutive year.