In order for the Mountaineers to continue on their quest to the NCAA Tournament they must win some road games against lesser competition. I’m not saying Villanova sucks but with their dominant-guard play and little frontcourt presence West Virginia should be able to win at The Pavilion.

Villanova has not lost at The Pavilion this season but don’t worry the Mountaineers have had little trouble there in the past as they are 3-5 since the Eers joined Big East basketball in 1995. Right now, WVU is 35th in the RPI according to realtimerpi.com.

A win tonight on the road, in hostile territory, would catapult them about 10 places in the RPI rankings.

Villanova has a record of 15-9 with a 5-7 conference record. For the Wildcats to have any chance of being in the NCAA Tournament they have to win this game and then get on tear to win five more. Not only that, they have only one win more than St. John’s and Providence for the dreaded 13th spot. The Big East Tournament will feature 12 teams for the final time this year. A loss would give the Cats only one game ahead of that non-tournament spot.

The Wildcats are led by their star shooting sophomore Scottie Reynolds. Reynolds averages 16.6 points a game and is the team’s leading three-point threat with 54 treys. The only other lineup stalwart is 6-8, 230# forward Dante Cunningham. Cunningham averages 10.5 points with a team leading 6.8 rebounds per game. Reynolds, in the previous game against St. John’s, sprained his ankle and played only 21 minutes. Reynolds should be able to go tonight.

West Virginia has continued to play solid basketball throughout the year. They lead the conference in assist-to-turnover ratio at 1.49. Coach Huggs testament to in your face defense is a benefit as well as they also lead the conference in turnover margin by over 6 forcing 16 turnover a game. West Virginia remains one of the best three point shooting teams in the Big East and that surely will be needed as Villanova gives up 38.5 percent from three, the second-worst in the Big East.

The tipoff is at 8pm and will be televised locally on Fox Sports Pittsburgh. As long as The Rainmaker and the gang hits their threes to quiet this hostile crowd West Virginia will cruise to a huge road victory. Good luck tonight and GOOOOOOOOOOOOO MOUNTAINEERS!