VILLANOVA, Pa. – Since it first entered the BIG EAST on New Year's Eve 2013 – at Hinkle Fieldhouse against Villanova – Butler has consistently been among the league's better rebounding squads. In 2025-26 the Bulldogs (10-4 overall, 1-2 BIG EAST) feature the nation's leading rebounder, and the best rebounding margin (+8.14) in the league entering this weekend's action.
 
That's the next challenge ahead for the Villanova Wildcats (11-2 overall, 2-0 BIG EAST). The two foes square off Saturday at noon at the storied basketball cathedral in Indianapolis. TNT and TruTV will have the broadcast with Brian Anderson, Grant Hill and Andy Katz on site. Ryan Fannon and Whitey Rigsby will have the audio call on the Villanova Sports Network on IHeart (Fox Sports Philadelphia and Sirius XM channel 384) with the pregame show commencing at 11:30 a.m.
 
The Wildcats, of course, are not without their own prolific rebounder in senior center Duke Brennan (11.4 rpg). The Grand Canyon transfer ranks fifth in the nation in that category. Atop that list is the Bulldogs' Michael Ajayi at 12.3 rpg.
 
Butler averages 42.3 rebounds per game. For their part, the Wildcats are third in the conference in rebounding margin at +4.54 for all games. In addition to Brennan, Nova receives board support from junior guard Tyler Perkins (4.9 rpg) and redshirt freshman forward Matt Hodge (4.4 rpg).
 
Another area to watch is 3-point field goal accuracy. The Wildcats lead the BIG EAST in 3-Point Field Goal Percentage (.375) while the Bulldogs rank third in the conference in 3-Point Field Goal Percentage Defense.
 
The long ball helped Villanova rally from a 50-40 deficit to DePaul in the BIG EAST home opener Wednesday night at Finneran Pavilion. Perkins and Bryce Lindsay helped VU connect on 10-of-23 (.435) mark from beyond the arc to overcome an otherwise tough shooting night (10-of-35, .286) from two-point range.
 
Head coach Kevin Willard was asked about Lindsay's ability to help turn a game with his explosive long-distance skills following the game: "I feel like I've got five or six of those guys, to be honest with you. Every time he shoots it, or Perk shoots it, I think it's going in. Every time Matt Hodge shoots it, I think it's going in. Same thing with Dev (Askew).
 
"Bryce can really shoot it. But he's been doing much more off the ball, making plays for his teammates. I think that's what I'm more excited about is that the more comfortable he gets in making plays for his teammates, I think that will open up even more shots."
 
Askew, the graduate transfer via Long Beach State, provided a critical boost in the win over DePaul as well. He registered all nine of his points in the second half, including the 3-pointer that put Nova back into the lead late in the period. His activity at the top of the 2-3 zone the 'Cats utilized to slow DePaul in the final 10 minutes was also essential to the win.
 
The Wildcats are 10-0 this season when scoring 70 or more points in a game.
 
Villanova returns to Finneran Pavilion on Wednesday night to host Creighton, already 3-0 in league play, at 7:30 p.m. That game will be streamed live only on Peacock and heard on the Villanova Sports Network on IHeart. Tickets remain available by clicking the link at the top of this page.