• Preview
• Recap
• Bleachers

No. 18 Villanova looks to bounce back against Notre Dame

Jan 26, 2008 - 2:07 PM Notre Dame (13-4) at No. 18 Villanova (13-4) 12:00 pm EST

VILLANOVA, Pennsylvania (Ticker) - No. 18 Villanova will look to rebound from one of its poorest performances of the season on Saturday against Notre Dame in a Big East Conference game.

The Wildcats (13-4, 3-2 Big East) are coming off a 12-point loss on Wednesday to Rutgers, which entered winless in six conference games.

It was the Scarlet Knights' first win over a ranked opponent in two years and first over Villanova in five games. The Wildcats committed a season-high 19 turnovers and shot just 37 percent (22-of-60).

"We're just a team that's finding its way," Villanova coach Jay Wright said. "I'm not happy about it. Win or lose, you have to get better."

The Wildcats, 3-3 in their last six games, hold a 16-13 lead in the all-time series.

The Fighting Irish (13-4, 3-3) have alternated wins and losses in their last four games. They have been off since last Saturday's 84-65 loss at then-No. 6 Georgetown.

Sophomore forward Luke Harangody leads Notre Dame in scoring at 18.9 points and 9.5 rebounds per game, but is averaging 22.0 points and 11.0 boards in Big East play.

Junior guard Kyle McAlarney averages 14.6 points and senior forward Rob Kurz averages 13.4 points for the Irish.