That's what Villanova will be doing between now and Wednesday, when top-ranked Syracuse visits the Wells Fargo Center.

The Cats, though, will be entering with some momentum, specifically an 87-71 victory over DePaul Sunday at the Pavilion.

Villanova showed intensity at both ends, took 90 percent of the game's good shots, ran with purpose and showed some presence around the rim. It also made 28 turnovers.

But after being mildly booed in their previous game, the Cats responded, improved to 8-8, accepted their first Big East win of the season ... and a challenge.

“It's the greatest thing about being in the Big East,” Jay Wright said. “You are going to get to play No. 1, 2, 3 --- somebody in there --- on your home court. You don't get to do that if you are in other conferences. You live for that and it is going to be fun. And it is nice to win this game going into that. You feel good about yourself. Because to play against them, you have to play with confidence. They play with great confidence.”

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