VILLANOVA, Pa. (Interstat) — A pivotal nonconference women’s basketball matchup between local rivals will unfold Sunday when the Villanova Wildcats host the Saint Joseph’s Hawks. Tipoff is set for Dec. 7 at Finneran Pavilion, pitting two Philadelphia-area programs riding strong early-season momentum against one another. Villanova (7-2) enters on a five-game winning streak, while Saint Joseph’s (6-2) looks to rebound from a narrow midweek loss. The Wildcats have been powered by the hot hand of guard Jasmine Bascoe. She is averaging 18.4 points per game and is coming off a 26-point, 4-assist performance in a 76-69 road win at Georgetown on Thursday. Over her last five games, Bascoe has scored in double figures each time, including a 24-point outing at West Virginia. The Hawks counter with their own dynamic guard in Rhian Stokes. She leads the team in scoring at 11.1 points per game and is coming off a 16-point, 4-assist effort in a 59-52 loss to Rhode Island on Wednesday. Stokes has been a consistent catalyst, scoring 14 or more points in three of her last five contests. Saint Joseph’s will need Stokes and forwards Aleah Snead and Cecilia Kay, who combined for 26 points against Rhode Island, to be productive to counter Villanova’s balanced attack. Beyond Bascoe, the Wildcats have received significant contributions from Brynn McCurry, who had 20 points against Georgetown. Historically, Villanova holds a commanding lead in the series. The Wildcats have won 16 consecutive meetings, with Saint Joseph’s last victory coming in December 2005. This game serves as a final major nonconference test for both squads before league play intensifies. Villanova will begin a tough Big East slate after this, while Saint Joseph’s turns its focus to Atlantic 10 competition. Sunday’s contest promises a contrast in styles, with Villanova’s high-powered offense, averaging over 74 points per game, facing a Saint Joseph’s defense that has held four opponents under 55 points this season. The outcome will likely hinge on which team better imposes its tempo.