Editor's note: Using a point system devised by the ESPN Stats & Information department, ESPN.com is counting down the 50 most successful programs of the past 50 years. A running list of the top 50 can be found here. For an explanation of the scoring system, read our intro.

16. Villanova (311 points)

Positives: Quietly ranks as a top-10 program in the first decade of our half-century. Went to five Elite Eights between 1978 and '88. Its 27 NCAA tournament berths in the past 50 years is more than powerhouses Connecticut, Michigan State and Michigan.

Negatives: Didn't reach the NCAA's second weekend from 1989 to 2004. Hasn’t won a Big East tournament title since 1995. Just seven points over the past three seasons.

Fun fact: Villanova received 30 points for its improbable title run in 1985 -- and nearly matched that with its 2006 squad’s 28-5 record, No. 1 seed and pair of consensus All-Americans (29 points).

Rank by the decade
1962-69: 38 (30th)
1970-79: 65 (T-16th)
1980-89: 100 (14th)
1990-99: 35 (T-61st)
2000-present: 73 (36th)

50 in 50 starting five (1962-present)
G – Scottie Reynolds (2006-10)
G – Kerry Kittles (1992-96)
F – Howard Porter (1967-71)
F – Ed Pinckney (1981-85)
C – John Pinone (1979-83)

Top options off the bench
Wali Jones (1962-64)
Keith Herron (1974-78)
Randy Foye (2002-06)

50 in 50 coach: Rollie Massimino (1973-92)

Best teams (1962-present)
1970-71 (27-7, NCAA runner-up)
1984-85 (25-10, NCAA champion)
2008-09 (30-8, NCAA semifinals)

--Nick Loucks and Brett Edgerton contributed to this post