Bodog Beat

Samardo Samuels and the Louisville Cardinals take on the Villanova Wildcats today. (AP Images)

The Louisville Cardinals got to ease into the Big East schedule when they opened conference play Wednesday with a 71-57 win at South Florida.

Next up for Louisville is a Saturday matinee at Villanova against the Wildcats.

Despite their lofty rating, the Wildcats were nearly winless in conference action heading into this one after needing overtime to knock off Seton Hall on Tuesday.

The Wildcats have the kind of speed and experience to handle Louisville's pressure defense and, like Louisville, they run players in and out of the game to stay fresh.

It's going to be up to the Villanova guards to control the tempo and move the ball quickly and efficiently on offense, because if the team's half-court set stalls, the Cardinals will have a big advantage.

Villanova has won three of four meetings since Louisville joined the Big East, including both games played at the Wachovia Center.

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