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Friars hoping to tame new-look Villanova Wildcats

PROVIDENCE – They still roll into town with the same snappy-dressed coach, the same Big Cat intensity and with the same confident, if not pompous, fans in tow.

The names and faces may come and go but if Jay Wright has his way, the Villanova Wildcats will remain in their hard-earned spot atop the Big East this season. If so, this will go down as one of Wright’s most impressive feats yet.

After winning the national championship for the second time in three seasons last March, Villanova lost its top four scorers off a 36-win team. Three of the four (Mikal Bridges, Donte DiVinenzo, Omari Spellman) left school early and landed in the first round of the NBA Draft.