Owls getting ready for 'Nova

This Sunday, our Temple basketball team will be faced with one of its toughest challenges of the season as we welcome third-ranked Villanova to the Liacouras Center for a Big 5 battle.

Jay Wright has his team playing great basketball and deserving of their high ranking. The Wildcats play with intensity and are talented and athletic at every position. While they are very talented what I like about their team is that they compete on every possession.

Five players score in double figures for Villanova with senior Scottie Reynolds, one of the top guards in the country, leading the way. Last year's Final Four appearance clearly adds to the confident way they approach the game.

For us to win the game we have to play our best on both ends of the court. Through the first nine games, we have defended well and we need to continue to do that. We will have to match that on the offensive end, and limit our mistakes, if we are to be successful.

The Liacouras Center should be electric Sunday afternoon for this Big 5 showdown and I hope to see you there to celebrate one of the city's biggest rivalries.

Go Owls!!

Fran Dunphy