NEW YORK -- The Fab Five never existed -- at least according to the NCAA and the University of Michigan. But Villanova's Fab Four debuted in Madison Square Garden Friday night.

The Wildcats received a rough introduction, as a veteran Marquette team had its way with Villanova, 73-61.

This was a sort of homecoming for the Villanova freshmen, widely regarded as one of the top recruiting classes in the country. The four hail from Newark, Long Island, the Bronx, and Brooklyn. It also was a return visit for Villanova coach Jay Wright, who is in his second year at Villanova after heading up Hofstra for seven seasons. But this was nothing like home sweet home.

"We knew this team would expose every little weakness we have," Wright said. "And they did."

The Wildcats' biggest weakness was that their freshmen looked like … well, freshmen.

The team was without senior shooting guard Gary Buchanan because of a knee injury, so two rookie guards, Randy Foye and Allan Ray, were in the starting lineup. Both forced some wild shots, finishing a combined 2-for-13 from beyond the arc. The Wildcats were 3-for-26 from downtown on the night.

Freshman forward Curtis Sumpter, the Most Valuable Player of New York City's storied Catholic league last season, shot 1-for-6, and had a hard time hitting the rim.

Jason Fraser, the most heralded of the Fab Four, posted the best numbers of the bunch: 13 points and 13 rebounds. But he shot just 3-for-10, missing several gimmes underneath.

At least Fraser didn't dunk in the wrong basket, as he did the last time he played in the Garden in the McDonald's High School All-American Game.

"I think they were just really excited," said Wright of his young 'uns. "They didn't quite understand how hard you have to play, and how important every possession is."

Meanwhile, Marquette picked them apart, led by Conference USA's preseason player of the year, Dwyane Wade. The junior guard, who led his team in scoring, rebounding, assists, steals and blocks last season, racked up 17 points, five rebounds and four assists.

There were some positives for Villanova. The Wildcats pulled down 31 offensive rebounds. They never gave up, closing to single digits late in the game. And perhaps best of all, the freshmen got their first game out of the way.

"Everything's a stepping stone," Fraser said.

But are the freshmen stepping on their older teammates' toes? Villanova has some talented veterans, like forwards Ricky Wright and Andrew Sullivan. But the Fab Four took 44 of the team's 73 shots.

When Wright was in the New York area two years ago, he saw how this kind of discord demoralized Seton Hall.

"Our upperclassmen love these guys, and our guys are humble," Wright said. "I just have to keep an eye out, and keep everyone together. A walk-on is as important as your best player, no matter who is on your team."

But the bottom line is, Villanova's best players are in the Fab Four.

They just have to grow up.

Kieran Darcy is a staff writer for ESPN The Magazine.