Jan. 26, 2000
Villanova, Pa.--- On Wednesday, Jan. 26, in a Big East Conference game at The Pavilion, the Villanova University women's basketball team defeated the University of Miami, 44-34, to improve to 10-7 overall on the season and 3-3 in conference play. With the loss, the Hurricanes of Miami fall to 8-9 overall, and 2-4 in Big East action.
The Wildcats jumped out to an early 9-2 lead sparked by a three-pointer from freshman forward Nicole Druckenmiller at the 16:08 point. Miami charged back and cut the Villanova lead to three, 11-8, at the 10:02 mark on a driving layup by forward Camilla Osth. Despite poor shooting on both ends of the floor, the `Cats increased their advantage to 19-11 with 5:54 remaining before intermission, behind two quick jumpers by junior center Brandi Barnes.
The Hurricanes closed the gap to 22-19 at the half, as center Alicia Hartlaub hit two consecutive field goals to end the first stanza. Villanova shot just 31 percent (nine-for-29) in the opening half, but were able to hold a slim three-point edge as Miami shot 27.6 percent on eight-of-29 from the floor. Druckenmiller and Barnes led the Wildcats with six points apiece in the first half, while Hartlaub scored eight points for the `Canes.
The contest remained close early on in the second half, with Villanova maintaining a 24-22 advantage at the 16:41 mark. The Wildcats went on an 11-2 run in the next 7:19, however, to increase their lead to 35-24. Senior Jenea Skeeters led the Villanova spurt with seven points, while freshman guard Trish Juhline added four. The Wildcats controlled the tempo from there and went on for a 44-34 victory.
For the game, Villanova shot 30.5 percent from the field on 18-of-59 shooting, while Miami shot 14-of-57 for 24.6 percent. The Wildcats held the Hurricanes over 34 points below their season average, as Miami came into the game averaging 68.6. The two teams went on to set a new Big East record on Wednesday night for the fewest combined points in a game (78).
Leading the way for Villanova was Barnes, who scored a team-high 14 points and pulled down a game-high nine rebounds. Skeeters scored in double-figures for the `Cats as well, with 12 points to go along with six assists. She has now scored in double figures in 14 of the last 15 contests. Rounding out the Villanova scoring were Druckenmiller and Juhline with six points apiece, sophomore forward Stephanie Baker with four, and junior guard Megan Stewart with two.
For Miami, Hartlaub tallied a team-high 14 points on seven-of-15 shooting. Osth scored six points for the `Canes and pulled down six boards, while Martha Bodley came off the bench to score four points and record a team-high seven rebounds.
The Wildcats will resume play on Saturday, Jan. 29, as they travel to Seton Hall to take on the Pirates at 2:00 p.m.
