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South Florida look to snap skid against ranked opponents

Jan 24, 2009 - 11:29 AM No. 21 Villanova (14-4) at South Florida (7-11), 12:00 p.m. EST

TAMPA, Florida (Ticker) -- South Florida hopes to snap a dismal stretch against ranked opponents on Saturday when it hosts No. 21 Villanova, one of eight ranked teams in the Big East.

The Bulls (7-11, 2-4 Big East) have dropped eight consecutive games versus ranked opponents, including three this season, since defeating then-No. 21 Notre Dame on February 3, 2007.

However, most of their success this season has come at home, where they are 5-3 compared to 1--5 on the road.

South Florida halted its two-game losing streak by defeating DePaul, 70-61, on Tuesday. Dominique Jones, who leads the team with 18.8 points and 4.9 rebounds, collected 26 points, 10 rebounds and six assists as the Bulls beat the Blue Demons for the second time in 10 days.

Villanova (14-4, 2-3) has had trouble generating consistency lately, and is coming off a deflating 89-83 loss to No. 3 Connecticut on Wednesday.

The Wildcats, who have alternated losses and wins over the last five contests, have lost six of their previous nine conference road games.

They have notched victories in 14 of their last 15 games against non-ranked opponents.