Foe: #21 Louisville Cardinals (10-3)(1-0)
Recent History: The all-time series between Villanova and Louisville is tied at 6-6, but Nova holds a 3-1 edge since the Cardinals joined the Big East. Last season Louisville pummeled Nova at Freedom Hall 68-54. Scottie Reynolds was held to a season-low 4 points in the game. Louisville earned a 3 seed in the NCAA tournament and advanced to the Elite Eight before losing to North Carolina. This year's team is deep and talented, led by junior Earl Clark (13.5 ppg), senior Terrance Williams (11.6 ppg), and freshman Samardo Samuels (13.5 ppg).
Notable Win: 74-71 vs. Kentucky
Notable Loss: 68-54 vs. Western Kentucky
Fun Facts:
- Louisville won two NCAA Championships (1980, 1986).
- Rick Pitino is the only coach to take three different teams to the Final Four (Providence, Kentucky, Louisville).
- Louisville has had 57 players all-time taken in the NBA draft, Francisco Garcia (2005) being the most recent.
- Louisville is 97-0 when they score 100 or more points.
Complimentary Youtube Video: Lappas' preview...
Final Verdict: Louisville is deeper and more talented up front, but the Wildcats should have the advantage in the backcourt. Despite the preseason hype (#3), Louisville has had some disapointing losses so far, which has drpped them in the rankings. They are still a dangerous team and this would instantly become Nova's strongest win of the season. Nova needs to take advantage of the homecrowd support at the Wachovia Center to pick up a win in their Big East home opener. I think it will be a close game, but Nova should pull it out at the end.
TV: 12:00 ESPN
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