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Villanova hopes to start homestand off right vs. Pittsburgh

Jan 29, 2007 - 4:10 PM No. 9 Pittsburgh (19-3) at Villanova (14-6) 7:00 pm EST

VILLANOVA, Pennsylvania (Ticker) - Playing most of its games on the road this season, Villanova hopes some home cooking will be all it needs.

The Wildcats look to open their three-game homestand on a winning note Monday when they host ninth-ranked Pittsburgh in a Big East Conference contest.

Villanova (14-6, 3-4 Big East) has been on the road for 13 of its first 20 games this season but will play seven of its last 10 regular-season contests at home.

Playing just their second game at the Wachovia Center this season, the Wildcats hold a six-game winning streak at their home away from home - including a win over Texas on January 20.

On Saturday, the Wildcats struggled in a tough road contest, dropping a 66-63 decision at Notre Dame.

Freshman Scottie Reynolds had 19 points and eight assists for Villanova, which shot 33 percent (20-of-60) in having a three-game winning streak snapped.

The Panthers are coming off a dominating 72-46 romp over St. John's on Sunday. Ten players scored for Pitt, which shot a blistering 53 percent (31-of-58) from the field in improving to 14-1 at home.

Aaron Gray collected 13 points and 10 rebounds to register his 10th double-double of the season in helping the Panthers (19-3. 7-1) to a dominating 41-26 edge on the boards.

The last two meetings between these teams have occurred in the Big East tournament. Pittsburgh defeated Villanova, 68-54, in the 2006 tournament semifinals.