PHILADELPHIA (Interstat) — City rivals Villanova and La Salle will meet for the first time this season when the Wildcats visit the Explorers at Tom Gola Arena on Wednesday.

Villanova (3-1) enters the non-conference matchup with momentum, coming off an 87-77 home victory over Duquesne on Saturday. The Wildcats’ offense was powered by a trio of players: Acaden Lewis scored 19 points, Bryce Lindsay added 18 and Duke Brennan controlled the glass with 13 rebounds. Villanova’s only loss was a 71-66 defeat at BYU on Nov. 3.

La Salle (2-2) looks to rebound on its home court after an 83-69 loss to Penn State on Saturday. Ashton Walker and Jerome Brewer each scored 13 points for the Explorers, with Brewer pulling down seven rebounds. The Explorers have split their two home games this season, defeating Monmouth but falling to the Nittany Lions.

The game is a highlight of the local Philadelphia schedule, pitting the Wildcats of the Big East against the Explorers of the Atlantic 10. Villanova will look to continue its high-scoring form, having averaged 85 points in its three wins. La Salle will aim to tighten its defense after allowing 90 points to Temple and 83 to Penn State in its two losses.

Following this game, Villanova hosts Old Dominion on Nov. 25, while La Salle remains at home to face Lancaster Bible on Nov. 22.