FACTS & STATS: Site: The Pavilion (6,500) -- Villanova, Pennsylvania. Television: None. Home Record: Albany 0-0, Villanova 0-0. Away Record: Albany 0-0, Villanova 0-0. Neutral Record: Albany 0-0, Villanova 0-0. Conference Record: Albany 0-0, Villanova 0-0. Series Record: Villanova leads, 1-0.

GAME NOTES: The 23rd-ranked Villanova Wildcats are set to open the 2008-09 season at home against the Albany Great Danes.

Albany is a member of the America East Conference and was recently picked to finish sixth in the league. Although there are three returning starters in the mix, eight new faces appear on the youthful roster. The Great Danes reached the NCAA Tournament in both 2006 and 2007, and after failing to accomplish the feat a year ago, the goal is quite clear in 2008-09.

As for Villanova, it has been picked to finish fifth in the Big East Conference, and the fact that 'Nova owns the nation's 23rd ranking speaks to the considerable strength of the league. All five starters are back in place for coach Jay Wright, who led his team to a 22-13 record in 2007-08. The program has reached the NCAA Tournament in four consecutive seasons, and the Wildcats are facing an Albany team that has lost 12 of 13 games against ranked opponents since 1999.

Villanova won its only previous meeting with Albany by an 86-72 final back in 2004.

Taking a look at the Albany roster, there isn't one player in particular that will cause much worry for coach Wright or his Villanova players. Brian Connelly is the leading returning scorer for the Great Danes, but his 10.1 ppg is fairly modest. Connelly is a 6-8 senior with plenty of experience who will be looked to as a leader both in this opener and all season. The second and third leading returning scorers, Jerrel Hastings and Tim Ambrose, are both expecting to come off the bench. The hope is that Jimmie Covington, a 6-7 senior, and Brett Gifford, a 6-11 sophomore, will be much more productive up front than they were a year ago. Covington averaged less than two points per contest a year ago, and it is time for him to step up. Keep an eye on Billey Allen, a talented freshman ready to make an impact.

For Villanova, Scottie Reynolds is back after an up and down sophomore campaign. Reynolds still ended up with 15.9 ppg overall, but when it came to Big East games his output dropped to 14.7 ppg on 40.7 percent shooting from the field and 32.1 percent accuracy beyond the arc. Dante Cunningham now assumes the role of the front line leader, and the coaches and fans alike hope he can be productive at both ends of the floor. Corey Fisher (9.1 ppg, 92 assists) should see his responsibilities increase in an effort to take some of the pressure off Reynolds in the passing department, while Shane Clark (7.1 ppg, 4.3 rpg) has the potential to be a steady offensive contributor if he relies less on the perimeter shot.

Villanova is extremely talented, and the young players from a year ago now have some much-needed experience to draw on. The Wildcats still lack size, but they won't need it to knock off Albany.

Predicted Outcome

Villanova 81, Albany 58