On Thursday night, Jay Wright's Villanova squad is set to take on Temple from the Pavilion. [TIX] 
It is the final game of 2010 and the final game of the this year's Big 5 series for 'Nova. It is also the first matchup for Villanova against a ranked opponent as the Owls entered the AP Poll at #25 this week.
A win by 'Nova would give the school the Big 5 crown, it will also extend the Wildcats' winning streak at their on-campus home to 43 games.
Carrying in a 9-2 record, the Owls have losses at Cal and at Texas A&M on their schedule, but have won their last 6; including a 68-65 victory over Georgetown at the Liacouras Center on December 9th.
The Owls are led by guard Ramone Moore who is averaging 14.9ppg. On the boards, LaVoy Allen is corralling just over 10 rebounds a game.
Temple is shooting 46.4% from the floor this year, including 27% (44-163) from behind the arc. Their prowess from the free throw line could come to haunt them as they are 63.4% from the charity stripe.
Following last year's 75-65 victory by Temple, Villanova is now 42-40 in the historical series between the two Big 5 schools. A streak that has seen the Wildcats win 8 of the last 11 games.
Villanova has won 22 of its last 24 Big 5 games.
The game is set to tipoff at 7p from the Pavilion. It will be broadcast on ESPN2.
Make sure to get your entries in Ed's Closest to the Pin contest!