Jan. 25, 2010

VILLANOVA, Pa. - For the third time this season, freshman guard Maalik Wayns (Philadelphia, Pa./Roman Catholic High School) is the BIG EAST Rookie of the Week.

Wayns continued his exceptional play in the BIG EAST in last week's victories over Rutgers and St. John's. He was especially effective in the 81-71 triumph over the Red Storm at Madison Square Garden on Saturday. He converted 5-of-8 from the field en route to 16 points.

On the season, Wayns is Villanova's third leading scorer in BIG EAST games, with a 12.4 ppg average. He has connected on 28-of-50 (.560) from the field in conference games.

The Wildcats (18-1 overall, 7-0 BIG EAST), who moved up one place in both the Associated Press and ESPN/USA Today polls to No. 3, host Notre Dame at the Wachovia Center on Wednesday evening (7:00 p.m./ESPN).