Villanova, PA (Betting Express) - The 23rd-ranked Villanova Wildcats hope to score their third consecutive victory to open this new season as they host the Niagara Purple Eagles as part of the Philly Hoop Group Classic.

Niagara began the season on a positive note on Sunday with a 79-62 decision over Towson. The Purple Eagles, who were slated to finish fourth in the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference standings in the coaches' preseason poll, have lost their last 17 contests against ranked foes.

Villanova has won its last 17 home games, a streak it will attempt to extend this evening. The Wildcats opened the season with a 78-60 decision over Albany, and they were even more impressive in a 107-68 decision over Fordham on Monday. A member of the Big East, arguably the nation's toughest conference, 'Nova is preparing for a treacherous run when January rolls around.

Villanova owns an 18-10 series lead over Niagara, but the teams haven't met since 1976.

The fact that Niagara beat Towson by 17 points in the opener is a bit surprising considering that the Purple Eagles shot just 37.5 percent from the floor, including a lowly 6-of-29 from three-point range. Even more concerning is the fact that the club made good on just 13-of-28 free throws. Fortunately, Niagara played tremendous defense in the clash, forcing 24 turnovers while limiting the Tigers to 30.4 percent shooting from the field. Four of the five starters reached double figures in scoring for the Purple Eagles, and Tyrone Lewis led the charge with 20 points, six assists, eight blocks and four steals. Benson Egemonye and Rob Garrison tallied 14 points apiece, and while Egemonye pulled down 16 rebounds, Garrison dished out seven assists and recorded four steals. Anthony Nelson had 13 points for Niagara.

All five starters scored in double figures for Villanova in Monday's thrashing of Fordham. Dante Cunningham was sensational, scoring 31 points to go along with 11 rebounds. Corey Fisher and Corey Stokes both had 17 points, and Stokes pulled down eight rebounds as well. Scottie Reynolds finished with 11 points and seven assists, while Antonio Pena posted 10 points. Villanova shot 58.3 percent from the field, including 7-of-14 from three-point range, and knocked down 30-of-36 free throws as well. Equally impressive was the fact that the Wildcats racked up 23 assists against nine turnovers and earned a 45-28 rebounding edge. Defensively, 'Nova limited Fordham to 35.4 percent shooting from the floor. In the opening win over Albany, the starters all reached double figures in scoring as well, so it certainly appears that the Wildcats will be a balanced offensive team this season.