GAME NOTES: Big East Conference foes will collide at the Carrier Dome this afternoon, as the Syracuse Orange attempt to upset the 25th-ranked Villanova Wildcats. Villanova's 12-3 overall record is obviously much more impressive than the team's 2-2 mark against Big East opposition. The Wildcats were 1-2 in the league before scoring a 76-69 triumph over DePaul on Wednesday. They have only played three true road games to date, and two of those have ended in defeat. As for Syracuse, it owns a 13-5 overall record that includes a 3-2 mark in league play. The Orange, who are 11-2 at home, are coming off Wednesday's 81-59 romp over Rutgers at the Carrier Dome. Syracuse owns a 33-26 series lead over Villanova, but the Wildcats have won three of the last four meetings.

There is a wealth of talent in the lineup for Villanova, and four players are averaging double figures in scoring. Scottie Reynolds continues to lead the charge with his 17.0 ppg, and he is dishing out 4.3 apg as well. Corey Fisher checks in with 11.4 ppg, while Dante Cunningham and Shane Clark are both contributing 10.5 ppg. The 'Cats are racking up 77.9 ppg while allowing 69.1 ppg to the opposition. In the hard-fought victory over DePaul, Reynolds scored 21 points in 37 minutes of action. Antonio Pena pitched in 17 points, and Cunningham finished with 14 points and 13 boards. Villanova committed 19 turnovers in the clash, but a 23-9 advantage in points from the foul line and a 43-20 rebounding edge proved to be the difference. Villanova finished the game with 17 offensive boards.

Syracuse is scoring 83.2 ppg on 51.1 percent shooting from the floor this season, but the output is not quite as high (74.6 ppg) in conference play. There is no shortage of talent in the lineup, as rookies Donte Greene and Jonny Flynn lead the charge for the Orange. Greene is netting 18.9 ppg overall, including an even more impressive 19.4 ppg against Big East foes. He is pulling down 7.9 ppg this season and has blocked 35 shots. As for Flynn, he is scoring 14.5 ppg and has dished out 98 assists. Paul Harris checks in with 13.6 ppg and 9.2 rpg to go with his 64 assists, proof of his versatility. In the recent romp over Rutgers, Flynn scored 24 points on 10-of-15 shooting from the floor for Syracuse. Greene finished with 19 points, while Harris posted 18 points, eight rebounds and five assists. The Orange connected on 60.4 percent of their field goal attempts and earned a 40-24 rebounding advantage.

Syracuse hasn't gotten much attention this season because of its youth, but the trio of Flynn, Greene and Harris is outstanding. Expect those three players to power the Orange past 'Nova.