'Nova looks to end skid at Pitt rematch

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Villanova Wildcats (13-5, 3-4 BE) at
#21 Pittsburgh Panthers (16-4, 4-3 BE)

Date: Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Location: Petersen Events Center (Pittsburgh, PA)
Time: 7:00 p.m. EST
Television: ESPNU

Pittsburgh coverage: Pitt Blather || Post-Gazette

Official game notes (PDF): Villanova.com

Villanova returns to action Wednesday night looking to snap its two-game losing streak. The 'Cats will travel across Pennsylvania for a rematch with the Pittsburgh Panthers. In the last meeting this season between these two teams on Jan. 6, Villanova edged Pitt 64-63 at the Pavilion.

After a slight identity crisis immediately following the loss of Levance Fields and Mike Cook, the Panthers have gelled together as of late, putting together a 4-3 conference record, despite a surprising loss to Rutgers.

In the last Villanova-Pitt game, it took another dose of Malcolm Grant heroics for 'Nova to come out with a victory. Grant, who went off for 22 points, was once again the catalyst for a Villanova comeback. In what has been an issue all season long, Villanova played flat for most of the game, shooting 34 percent from the field.

Defensively, 'Nova was out-rebounded 43-31, but did force the Panthers into committing 22 turnovers. Not only is this game a must-win from a record standpoint; the 'Cats must also win to revive the disappointed fan base and avoid a mental slump in a crucial stretch of the season.

Keys to the game

Contain Young and Blair: If the Notre Dame game was any indication of how sorely missed Casiem Drummond is, one must look no further than the stat line Luke Harangody put up: 25 points and 10 rebounds on 8-14 shooting, including 9-13 from the line. In Villanova's one-point victory over Pitt, DeJuan Blair dominated the 'Cats inside to the tune of 12 points and 15 rebounds, while Sam Young added an easy 16 points. Villanova cannot afford to have Pena and Cunningham in as much foul trouble as they were in against ND if they are to have any chance of keeping the two Pitt forwards from putting the game away.

Collapse on their guards: Villanova must harass Pitt's ballhandlers and force them to make bad passes. Last meeting, Villanova scored 28 points off 22 Pitt turnovers, and every basket was critical in a one point victory.

Make Pitt keep up: Jamie Dixon's squad did a tremendous job of melting the game clock while methodically slowing the pace of the entire game down last time. Villanova thrives when playing at a faster pace. Villanova's forwards have to execute quick outlet passes to the guards, who in turn must beat the slow defending Pitt guards off of the dribble.

X-factor

Dante Cunningham: Dante did not put up his usually solid numbers against Notre Dame, partly because he was in foul trouble most of the night. If Cunningham plays within himself on offense by not forcing shots and allowing the game come to him, he should be good for double-digit points. Defensively, he and the rest of the frontcourt must put a body on Pitt down low.

Final thoughts

This Pitt team is going to give Villanova everything it can handle.

Remember to add your own insights in the comments section below, and to predict the final score in our ongoing contest.