February 6, 1999

Box Score

SYRACUSE, N.Y. - John Celestand scored seven straight points and Jermaine Medley hit two key 3-pointers to help Villanova break open a tight game as the Wildcats held Syracuse's starting guards scoreless and upset the 16th-ranked Orangemen 75-60 Saturday night.

Syracuse (16-7, 7-6 Big East), fresh from a stunning 59-42 victory over top-ranked Connecticut on Monday, couldn't penetrate the tough zone of the Wildcats (18-6, 9-5). Syracuse shot just 32.3 percent (21-for-65) for the game.

Villanova held Syracuse's leading scorer, Jason Hart, scoreless for the first time in his career, a span of 90 games. Hart entered the game averaging 14.6 points and had scored a career-high 24 in two of his last three games. Against the Wildcats, he was 0-for-8 from the field, with seven of the attempts 3-pointers. His backcourtmate, Allen Griffin, was 0-for-4 in 19 minutes of play.

Celestand, held to just two points in the first half, converted two fast-break layups and a 3-pointer to give Villanova a 41-38 lead with 12:37 left. Medley's jumpers from way behind the top of the key and two baskets by T.J. Caouette kept the Wildcats in front.

Villanova pulled away as Syracuse continued to attempt 3-pointers and miss. The Orangemen finished 5-of-29 from beyond the arc.

Two free throws by Caouette and a fast-break layup by Celestand with 4:29 left put Villanova up 58-50.

Celestand, who entered the game averaging 13.1 points, finished with 11. Brian Lynch led the Wildcats with 15 points, while Malik Allen had 12, and Howard Brown 10.

Ryan Blackwell led Syracuse with 20 points, while Damone Brown had 14 and Etan Thomas 13.

Both teams shot miserably in the closely fought first half, which featured six lead changes and three ties. The Wildcats shot 28.6 percent, Syracuse 35.5 percent. Neither team could find the range from beyond the arc, with Villanova going 2-of-11 and Syracuse 3-of-16.

By JOHN KEKIS
AP Sports Writer