St. Joseph's 56 - 59 Villanova
Final
  for this game

Villanova hopes to bounce back from first loss

Dec 11, 2008 - 11:28 AM Saint Joseph's (4-4) at No. 12 Villanova (8-1), 8:00 p.m. EST

VILLANOVA, Pennsylvania (Ticker) -- After suffering its first defeat, Villanova did not have much time to reflect.

The 12th-ranked Wildcats hope to rebound on Thursday when they host Saint Joseph's.

Villanova won its first eight games before suffering a 67-58 setback to No. 6 Texas in the Jimmy V Classic at Madison Square Garden on Tuesday.

Dante Cunningham had 23 points and 12 rebounds for the Wildcats, who struggled against a physical Longhorns defense. Villanova committed 19 turnovers and shot 39 percent (19-for-49) from the floor, including 4-of-17 from the arc.

The Hawks have alternated wins and losses over their last five games and are coming off an 85--64 triumph over Towson on Tuesday.

Ahmad Nivins scored 25 points in the win and is averaging 19.1 points and 11.4 rebounds for Saint Joseph's.

Last season, Saint Joseph's posted a 77-55 victory over Villanova, ending the Wildcats' streak of 14 consecutive wins against "Big 5" opponents in Philadelphia. Villanova defeated Pennsylvania already and plays La Salle on Sunday before facing Temple later in the season.






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