GAME NOTES: In desperate need of a victory, the Villanova Wildcats limp into Alumni Memorial Fieldhouse in Philadelphia for a non-conference clash with rival Saint Joseph's. Villanova is 13-7 overall, but that record is clearly overshadowed by a disappointing 3-6 mark in Big East Conference action. The Wildcats have lost their last four games, all by double figures. The most recent setback occurred on Saturday, as Syracuse came to town and left with an 87-73 triumph. As for Saint Joseph's, it carries a five-game win streak into to tonight's showdown. The Hawks, who are 14-5 overall and 6-1 in Atlantic 10 Conference play, are coming off Saturday's 70-55 romp over Fordham, and it was nice to score an easy victory after the previous three wins came by a total of seven points. Villanova owns a 41-23 series advantage over Saint Joseph's, including wins in the last three meetings.

It is hard to believe that Villanova allowed Syracuse to shoot 62.8 percent from the floor on Saturday. The Wildcats were also outscored in that game at the foul line by a 28-14 margin, and they suffered a 34-22 rebounding disadvantage as well. Corey Fisher scored 21 points on the strength of a 5-of-7 effort from three-point range, but the rest of the team combined to hit only 2- of-12 shots from behind the arc. Scottie Reynolds had 12 points, Casiem Drummond tallied 11, and Reggie Redding finished with 10 points and six assists. Overall this season, Villanova is scoring 76.3 ppg while holding opponents to 71.7 ppg. In conference games, however, the Wildcats are generating a less impressive 71.2 ppg while giving up 75.8 ppg. Reynolds is scoring 17.4 ppg overall, and Fisher adds 11.5 ppg.

Saint Joseph's senior forward Pat Calathes is most known for being the older brother of Florida freshman standout Nick Calathes. Although Pat does not get the type of media attention that his brother attracts, the Hawks' leader has quietly played himself into contention for A-10 Player of the Year honors. Although 6-10 in stature, Calathes has the skills of a guard, as he is shooting 45.9 percent from three-point range and nearly 80 percent from the foul line. He is scoring 18.2 ppg to go along with 8.1 rpg, 50 assists, 27 blocked shots and 26 steals. Ahmad Nivins checks in with 14.6 ppg and 6.7 rpg, and he has a team-high 28 blocks to his credit. Tasheed Carr (11.3 ppg) and Rob Ferguson (11.1 ppg) add balance to the lineup. Nivins scored 15 points to lead the way against Fordham on Saturday. Saint Joseph's managed to limit its overmatched opponent to 37.3 percent shooting from the field.

Villanova is simply too well coached to lose five consecutive games. Therefore, give the Wildcats a slight edge over the Hawks, who will not be easy to knock off by any means.