(Sports Network) -- The ninth-ranked Villanova Wildcats are very much alive in the race for the Big East regular season title, and they are slated to take on the Rutgers Scarlet Knights on the road this evening.

Back-to-back victories have enabled Villanova to move to 19-4 overall, including 7-3 in league action. The Wildcats are fresh off a 66-50 triumph over West Virginia on Saturday in a game that featured a tremendous defensive performance by the home team. They have played seven true road games to date, five of which have resulted in victory.

Four consecutive losses have dropped Rutgers to 12-11 overall, including 3-8 in Big East Conference action. On Sunday, the Scarlet Knights fell to Notre Dame by a 76-69 final to fall to 2-6 on the road. Fortunately, they are 9-3 at home and figure to play with confidence tonight.

Villanova holds a 25-8 series lead over Rutgers, which includes a 26-point romp over the Scarlet Knights last season.

The Rutgers basketballs schedule features the Scarlet Knights hosting the Seton Hall Pirates on Saturday night (7 p.m.). Next Saturday, Rutgers is at the No. 12/13 Syracuse Orange (4 p.m.).