January 7, 1999

Box Score

VILLANOVA, Pa. - Tasha Pointer had 17 points, helping No. 15 Rutgers overcome a seven-point second-half deficit and defeat Villanova 55-40 Thursday night to remain unbeaten in the Big East Conference.

The Scarlet Knights (12-3, 5-0) trailed 33-26 with 15:22 left, but went on a 29-7 run to take the lead for good.

The Rutgers press and stellar defense held the Wildcats (6-7, 2-3) to just two field goals in the final 15 minutes on 29-percent shooting.

Tomora Young had 14 points for Rutgers, and Tammy Sutton-Brown added 11 rebounds while Linda Miles grabbed 10.

After scoring a season-low 19 points in the first half, the Scarlet Knights made 11-of-23 shots from the field in the final 20 minutes.

Jenea Skeeters was the only Wildcat in double figures with 10 points. Villanova's point total was the lowest of the season and the loss only its fifth in 38 games when the Wildcats have held an opponent under 60 points.

The win was the sixth in the last seven games for Rutgers. All three of its losses were to ranked opponents.