No. 1 Villanova takes on Temple in Big 5 showdown
PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- There's a big showdown shaping up in North Philadelphia.
The Villanova Wildcats, who are in their second week as the No. 1 team in the nation, will take on the Temple Owls Wednesday night.
The Owls may be unranked, but they're ready to make a statement and take down the Wildcats on their home turf.
Nova won the last meeting between the two schools by 23 points.
However, the Temple crowd will raucous, and they have had some success against ranked teams this season.
Both sides have an aggressive mindset heading into this one.
"We get after it a lot, challenge each other, knowing that we're going up against a top opponent," said Quenton DeCosey, Temple guard. "Villanova No. 1 team, I think we can beat them, I think it's possible. We took down two ranked teams this season so far so I think we have a great shot."
"It's always a battle. I know every single year it's been a battle and it's been a grind and it's been a very tight game the past couple years," said Ryan Arcidiacono, Villanova guard. "We just know that they're going to bring it and they're tough, we're tough and it's going to be an ugly street fight."
When asked what he anticipates the atmosphere to be like for the big game, Temple head coach Fran Dunphy replied, "We have a sold-out crowd so I'm hoping most of the fans are for the Temple Owls, but I'm sure we'll have our share of Villanova fans, too. But it's a great Big Five atmosphere and it's a great game in the city at this point in the year."
Dunphy also spoke on what concerns him most about Villanova.
"Well they're good at everything they do," said Dunphy. "First of all, their great on the defensive end. Their defensive numbers are extraordinarily good. And they're talented on offense. They all pass the ball well, they know what their roles are, they know what their assignments are so it's a very balanced team and that's the thing you fear the most."
