Syracuse will extend their Big East lead with a victory over Villanova

No. 8 Villanova will play at No. 4 Syracuse tonight for a marquee Big East game that could play a major role in determining who wins the regular season conference title. The Wildcats are one game behind the Orangemen for the outright conference lead. This is the first time these teams have met this season, and they currently share six losses combined on the season. West Virginia, Pittsburgh and Georgetown are each within four games of first place, and they round out five total teams in the Big East that are ranked in the top 16. The Big East has been brutally competitive this year, and the winner at the Carrier Dome tonight might very well punch their ticket not only as conference champions but also as a number one seed in the NCAA tournament.

The Orangemen have been dominant this season with their overall record at 26-2. Wesley Johnson has led his team with nearly 16 points and 9 boards per contest, and he has been a fairly large surprise to the entire country. Johnson spent his first to years of college basketball at Iowa State. He transferred after his sophomore year, and he sat out last season. Before this season, Johnson was virtually unknown. Today he is considered at top-three NBA draft prospect. Syracuse also boasts four other starters averaging in double figures, and they are arguably one of the deepest teams in the country.

Villanova has been ranked as high as No. 2 overall this season, but they have stumbled as of late. They have currently lost three of six games after starting the season 20-1. Senior point guard Scottie Reynolds, who averages 19 points per game, leads the Wildcats. Reynolds, a favorite for the All-American list, nearly left for the NBA last off-season, and without Reynolds, the Wildcats would likely be no where near the team they are today. That is not to say the Wildcats lack overall talent, but Reynolds carries a surprising amount of the load for a top-ten team.

It is hard to pick against the Orangemen in this match up with ESPN projecting a record, sell-out crowd at the Carrier Dome. Not to mention, the Orangemen have only lost twice this season. More importantly, though, the Orange has a more balanced team with five solid contributors every night. Villanova will have trouble keeping up with the better team that will be backed behind a record crowd. Final score: Syracuse 78 Villanova 69.