VILLANOVA, Pa. (Interstat) — A surging Villanova team looks to solidify its postseason standing while Xavier aims to play spoiler when the Wildcats host the Musketeers in a Big East Conference men’s basketball matchup Saturday at The Pavilion.

The Wildcats (23-7, 13-5 Big East) enter the regular-season finale having won seven of their last nine games, including a 76-57 road victory over DePaul on Wednesday. Villanova, currently projected as a high NCAA tournament seed, is led by standout guard Tyler Perkins. The sophomore is averaging 17.5 points over his last six games, including a 20-point performance against DePaul and 17 points in an overtime win at Xavier last month.

Xavier (14-16, 8-10) arrives on a three-game skid following a 77-68 home loss to Seton Hall on Tuesday. The Musketeers’ hopes for a winning season rest on this contest and any potential conference tournament run. They will lean heavily on senior guard Filip Borovicanin, who has been a bright spot during the tough stretch. Borovicanin is averaging 16.0 points and 5.0 assists over his last three games, including a 15-point, 7-assist effort against Seton Hall.

The previous meeting between these teams on Feb. 17 was a classic, with Villanova escaping Cincinnati with a 92-89 overtime victory. Perkins scored 17 points for the Wildcats in that win, while Borovicanin was held to just three points but dished out six assists for Xavier.

For Villanova, a win would bolster its case for a top-four seed in the upcoming NCAA tournament. For Xavier, a road upset against a ranked rival would provide a crucial momentum boost heading into the Big East tournament next week at Madison Square Garden.

Tipoff is scheduled for 8 p.m. EST. The game will be televised on FS1.