VILLANOVA, Pa. – Villanova (7-5, 1-2) is set to face Marquette (4-8. 0-3) in a pivotal BIG EAST matchup this Saturday. The Wildcats can clinch a spot in the conference tournament with a win.

Villanova is riding high after a convincing win over St. John's last week. The Wildcats dominated in all aspects of the game and led by as many as seven in the win. Freshman faceoff specialist Ryan Cunningham earned BIG EAST Freshman of the Week as he played the best game of his young career going 9-13 in the circle and won possession back time and time again to help grow the lead. Matt Licata and Colin Michener continued their dominance, each recording a hat trick.

Marquette has struggled this season after being picked to finish third in the preseason coaches' poll. After starting the season 3-0 with convincing wins they have dropped eight out of the last nine games, including the BIG EAST opener at St. John's. The Golden Eagles have struggled on defense lately, allowing 12 goals a game in conference play. Bobby O'Grady leads the team with 25 goals this season and Jake Stegman ranks third in the BIG EAST with 23 assists on the year.

Marquette thrives in the faceoff department. The Golden Eagles rank sixth in the nation with a .595-win percentage as fifth year Luke Williams is having a career year with a 123-196 record in the circle.

Villanova has owned this matchup in recent memory having won the last nine meetings. The 'Cats narrowly took last year's matchup 16-15 in overtime and are looking to extend their historic streak of reaching the conference tournament to 12 straight seasons. To clinch a berth, the Wildcats need to win while Georgetown beats St. John's and Providence beats Denver. 

The opening faceoff is set for one o'clock eastern time and noon central time on Saturday in Milwaukee.