March 4, 2000

Storrs, Conn.--- In the Big East Tournament first round on Saturday, March 4, at Gampel Pavilion in Storrs, Conn., the Villanova University women's basketball team defeated Providence, 75-53, to advance to Sunday's tournament quarterfinals to face the nationally ranked Rutgers Scarlet Knights.

The Wildcats led the Friars 38-33 at the half on Saturday night, but went on to outscore Providence 37-20 in the second half en route to victory. Leading 48-45 with 13:48 to go in regulation, Villanova went on an 11-0 run in a span of 3:52. The `Cats' run gave them a 59-45 advantage with 9:56 left in the game. From there, the Friars would never again cut the lead to single digits.

Villanova set a Big East Tournament record versus Providence for the fewest turnovers in a game with two. The Wildcats shot 28-for-61 (46 percent) from the field, and nine-of-30 from the three-point stripe.

Freshman guard Trish Juhline set new career-highs with 26 points and six three-pointers in the victory. Juhline shot nine-for-17 overall and six-of-11 from long range, also posting five rebounds, five assists and five steals. Senior Jenea Skeeters and freshman Katie Davis each netted 12 points. Skeeters also added seven assists, while Davis posted seven boards.

Rounding out the Villanova scoring was junior Brandi Barnes with eight points, sophomore Stephanie Baker with seven, senior Mary Beth Snell and freshman Nicole Druckenmiller with four, and Daniela Schroeder with two.

The Friars shot 19-for-50 from the field for the game, and hit five-for-10 from three-point territory. Leading Providence in the loss was Monika Roberts with 14 points, while Meghan Hinds tallied 13. The Friars out-rebounded the Wildcats 40-31.

Villanova will now face Rutgers in the Big East Quarterfinals on Sunday, March 5, at 8:00 p.m., in Gampel Pavilion. The two teams split during the regular season, with each team winning on the road.