Syraucse-Villanova Part Two

The Orange (22-6, 9-6) are in Villanova tonight to take on the Wildcats (21-6, 9-5) at The Pavilion (7 PM ET, ESPN).

Significance: Revenge. Syracuse would love to beat Villanova, which has won six of the last eight meetings, including last month at the Carrier Dome. The Orange also need to come out on top of the jumbled middle of the Big East.

Three Pointers:

1. Syracuse must defend the three point shot: In the first meeting the Wildcats shot 50% from the field, including 11 for 24 from three. That can't happen if Syracuse hopes to win. After that game, Dion Waiters said, "sometimes you just can't do anything about it but continue to play defense." Uhh, how about playing better defense?
2. How do the Wildcats replace Corey Stokes?: Coach Jay Wright lists the guard as "questionable" for tonight. Stokes, who scored 16 points in the previous meeting, is Villanova's second leading scorer (14.6 ppg). It will be a different game if the Wildcats play without their leader.
3. The Orange could use a quality win: Realistically, Syracuse has a tournament spot locked up by now. However the Orange may not be a complete lock. A win against Villanova gives them a quality road win, not to mention a big confidence boost.

And One: In case you haven't heard, Scoop Jardine, Rick Jackson and Dion Waiters are from Philadelphia. Hopefully the trio will be inspired to play well in front of their family and friends. The Orange could use any form of inspiration at this point.

Prediction: Don't overestimate Stokes' absence too much; Villanova is still the favorite. The Wildcats will give Syracuse everything it can handle, and the Orange will do just that; handle Villanova.

Syracuse 69, Villanova 65

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