That's what there is now between Villanova and college basketball's elite. That's not necessarily new, but it was reincorced Wednesday at the Wells Fargo Center during the Wildcats' 79-66 loss to No. 1 Syracuse --- a game not as close as that score suggests.

It happens. Teams rebuild. But it did happen quite rapidly to Villanova, which was highly ranked this time last year.

“I like this group,” Jay Wright said. “It's getting better. It's slow. But we have to find a way to enjoy this process. It might not be fun. But we have to go through it.”

The Wildcats are 8-9. Unless something changes soon, they will be doomed to a losing season.

Check out my column Thursday in the Daily Times and, as always, on delcotimes.com