People, long time no write. I’ve been reassigned to the best basketball team in the city, explaining why there has been little about the Sixers this week. Really, there’s not much to say. On to ‘Nova…

Tonight’s game between No. 8 Villanova and No. 4 Syracuse undoubtedly is the biggest game in the Big East thus far this season. While conference rivals for some time now, rarely have the two teams faced when both are at or near the top of their games.

Even bigger than the Big East implications are the national standing of both these teams. With a win, Syracuse has a real chance to jump to No. 1 in the polls, as No. 1 Kansas and No. 2 Kentucky both lost Saturday. No. 3 Purdue will play No. 14 Michigan State on the road Sunday without its best player, Robbie Hummel, who is done for the season with a torn ACL.

For its part, Villanova needs a win to keep pace in the conference and establish some confidence after recent losses to Georgetown and Pitt. A victory tonight also puts them in a tie with Syracuse atop the Big East.

A record crowd is expected at the Carrier Dome for the nine p.m. tip-off, which will be broadcast on ESPN. And with that, we have some pregame links:

Jay Bilas breaks down the matchup, only as he can. (ESPN)

The prospect of playing in front of a large hostile crowd does not faze ‘Nova. (Philly.com Sports)

If the Wildcats win their final three games (including tonight), the No. 1 seed in the Big East Tournament is theirs. (Philly.com Sports)

As for the NCAA Tournament, ‘Nova right now would be a two seed. (The Sporting News)

It does without saying a lot on the line for Syracuse tonight—but we’ll say it anyway. (The Sporting News)

At long last, ‘Cuse’s Wesley Johnson is a candidate for Big East Player of the Year. (Philly.com Sports)

Seth Davis picks Syracuse. (Sports Illustrated)

Fans are going to great lengths for these tickets, paying several hundred dollars to bear witness. (The Dagger)

Best college basketball story of the day: Bud Light truck runs over fire hydrant, delays Maryland-Virginia Tech game. Bud Light: Here we go! (The Dagger)