Snapping out of funk won't be easy for Cats

0 Comments | Philadelphia Inquirer, The, January, 2008 | by Joe Juliano Inquirer Staff Writer

Coming off back-to-back losses, Villanova doesn't figure to have things any easier tonight when the Wildcats try to snap out of their slump on the road against 18th-ranked Pittsburgh at the Petersen Events Center. The Wildcats (13-5 overall, 3-4 Big East), who fell out of the top 25 this week, need a win tonight to avoid their first losing streak of more than two games since they dropped their last five regular-season contests in the 2003-04 season.

But the Panthers (16-4, 4-3) are an angry bunch. Not only do they want to avenge a 64-63 loss to Villanova on Jan. 6 at the Pavilion, they also want to erase the bitter taste of a 77-64 defeat Saturday at home to suddenly formidable Rutgers. The loss to the Scarlet Knights, who knocked off Villanova one week ago to record their...