Nov. 28, 2000

Box Score

Villanova, Pa. - A 55-point second half sparked the Villanova Wildcats to a 97-70 victory over the University of Alaska Fairbanks in an exhibition game played Tuesday evening at the Pavilion.

The Wildcats jumped out to a 9-0 advantage in the game's first three minutes on the strength of six points from junior forward Brooks Sales. Villanova built a 21-6 edge with just under 13 minutes left in the half but some hot perimeter shooting from UAF guard Travis Knutson brought the Nanooks to within one point, 42-41 at intermission.

Villanova turned up the defensive pressure in the second half and slowly pulled away. Freshman guard Derrick Snowden played a key role and ended the night with 12 points, five rebounds and six assists in 21 minutes. Sophomore forward Ricky Wright also played well and he ended the night as Villanova's top scorer with 19 points.

"I thought overall it was a good performance," said Villanova head coach Steve Lappas. "We were really concentrating on improving our defense and I thought in the second half we did a better job with that. Our turnovers were down too and that's good to see."

Junior Michael Bradley added 15 points and seven rebounds while Sales also finished with 15 points and seven rebounds. Forward Bogden Popescu led Alaska Fairbanks with 18 points while Knutson added 17.

Villanova returns to regular season action on Saturday night at the Pavilion when the Columbia Lions come to the Main Line. Tipoff is set for 7:30 p.m.