Top-Ranked Wildcats Expect A Tougher Test With Xavier
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- The last time Villanova played Xavier, the Wildcats made it look easy. They don't expect the same scenario in Wednesday night's rematch.
The top-ranked Wildcats will battle the fifth-ranked Musketeers in Cincinnati on Wednesday night. It was all Villanova in their first meeting this season, as the Wildcats rolled to a 31-point victory at The Pavilion. However, all of the Cats as well as Head Coach Jay Wright believe the blowout was created by the perfect storm on that day. The combination of a hot-shooting performance and an injury to Xavier Guard Edmond Sumner led to the Villanova rout. Wight and his players aren't having any visions of a 31-point romp in the rematch.
"It was bizarre." said Wright. "When Sumner went down, we weren't the same and they weren't the same, but I think it was easier for us to recover being at home and not losing a great player."
Both teams are 24-3 on the season, and both come into the contest on a roll. Villanova has won 16 of 17, while Xavier has picked up victories in 12 of its last 14. Forward Daniel Ochefu knows he and his teammates will see a very different Xavier squad than the one they manhandled on the Main Line on New Year's Eve.
"They're on of the hottest teams in the country right now," Ochefu said. "They're a very confident team and, obviously, there's the memory of that loss. I think they're very excited to play us."
The Musketeers have lost just once at home this season, and gave the Wildcats a tough fight in Cincinnati a year ago before Villanova came away victorious. It is one of the biggest home games in Xavier's history, and Wright is bracing for a raucous atmosphere when his team takes the court.
"It was a wild crowd (last year)," said Wright. "I think our guys are somewhat getting used to that. It seems like everywhere we go it's like that, but this place is unique. They have a great home crowd."
With a loud crowd and revenge on the mind of the Musketeers, the stage is set for what could be one of the best games of the season. Guard Josh Hart is bracing for a typical Big East battle, and knows it could come down to which team is able to survive 40 rugged minutes of basketball.
"This is going to be about toughness," Hart said. "They're a tough team and they play great at home, so it's going to be a battle."
