Monday Night NCAA Basketball- Louisville vs. Villanova

The 12-4 Louisville Cardinals take on the 4th ranked Villanova Wildcats Monday night in what promises to be another Big-East battle. The Cardinals have rebounded nicely after back to back losses to un-ranked teams earlier this season. Villanova will be the first true test for this young Louisville squad as they try to build some confidence heading into what is sure to be a difficult conference schedule.

The Wildcats have just 1 blemish on their record. A 10 point loss at Temple is nothing to be ashamed of, but they did show some signs of weakness in that game. Senior guard Scottie Reynolds once again leads the team in scoring at 17.7 points per game. Behind him is a trio of 3rd and 4th year starters that have gelled nicely over the past few seasons. Cory Fisher, Reggie Redding and Antonio Pena each average around 12 points per game, and are solid college players.

Rick Petino has assembled a squad full of athleticism and raw talent. With only 2 players averaging double–digits in scoring (Samuels, Sosa), Louisville relies on a suffocating defense to keep their opponents at bay. They will need to implement that to it’s fullest against the Wildcat offense that is averaging an amazing 84 points per game this season.

A nine point loss to Kentucky on January 2nd may have been just what the doctor ordered for Louisville. In their last 2 games they pounded a good Providence squad and took care of St Johns, beating them by 7.

The Big-East as always is full of great teams. Watch two of their best go at it Monday night on ESPN as Louisville and Villanova try to make a statement as to who’s the best.

Related posts:

1. NCAA Basketball Play of the Day: Villanova vs. UCLA
2. Villanova hosts Louisville in Top-25 Big East Battle
3. Syracuse Orange v. Louisville Cardinals: Sunday College Hoops
4. Louisville v. Connecticut in Friday Night Showdown
5. NCAA Basketball Preview: Duke vs. N. Carolina

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