Holy War takes over Palestra

Unpredictability has always defined the Saint Joseph’s-Villanova basketball rivalry, but the changing fortunes of this year’s teams may throw the mystery out the window.

The 67th installment of the Holy War pits the third-ranked Wildcats, winners of eight straight, against the scuffling Hawks (3-4), who have lost their last four games.

The Wildcats (8-0) are coming off a win at Maryland last Sunday, and are looking for their third win in Big 5 play.

As usual, Scottie Reynolds has been ’Nova’s catalyst. His 15.3 points per game leads an explosive offense that is averaging 82.4 points per contest.

Villanova has won 20 of their last 21 in Big 5 play — the only blemish being a 77-55 shellacking by St. Joe’s two years ago — and can wrap up the city title on Dec. 13 against Temple.

The Hawks have followed a much different path to the Palestra, losing four straight after opening with three wins.

Darrin Govens is tops in scoring (12.1 points) for a Hawks’ team that has had four different leading scorers in seven games.