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Villanova Basketball set to take on West Chester in Exhibition

The wait is over... VU Hoops is about to return.

By Mike J.
USA TODAY Sports

Villanova Basketball fans will get a soft opening of the Wildcats' 2013-14 season on Saturday as Nova hosts West Chester University in exhibition play. With tipoff slated for 12noon, Jay Wright's squad will take to the Wells Fargo Center court against the Division 2 school.

More: 2013-14 Villanova Player Previews: Wisdom of Crowds Buy Villanova gear! Villanova Basketball Season Predictor Contest

The Golden Rams were selected as the team to beat in the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) Eastern Division in a vote of the league's head coaches. The squad finished 20-8 overall in 2012-13 (17-5) in the PSAC. They lost to eventual champions Indiana (PA) in the semifinals of the conference tournament.

West Chester forward Cory Blake was also selected by the PSAC coaches to the conference's preseason team. The 6'9" junior is the Golden Rams' leading returning scorer (11.5 ppg.) and rebounder (6.8rpg). The team's second leading scorer, Troy Hockaday who averaged 11ppg and 3.8rpg, is also returning.

Although a Big East school and a Division 2 program seem years apart, there are some basketball connections. This summer Darrun Hilliard and Tony Chennault played with Hockaday in a European Tour. That squad was also coached by West Chester assistant, Roy Blumenthal.

Villanova was selected by the BIG EAST conference coaches to finish fourth in the newest version of the conference. Ryan Arcidiacono and JayVaughn Pinkston were also selected to the Preseason Second Team.

In addition to the exhibition at the team's South Philly home, 'Nova will also play Creighton, St. John's, Marquette, and Georgetown at The Center.

The Wildcats open their 2013-14 regular season next Friday against Lafayette.

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