Nov 21, 2001

Box Score?|? Quotes

VILLANOVA, Pa. (AP) - Ricky Wright scored 24 points and Jay Wright had a successful coaching debut as Villanova beat Grambling State 82-68 on Wednesday.

Gary Buchanan had 18 of his 20 points in the second half for Villanova (1-0).

Wright, a Villanova assistant from 1987-1992, coached at Hofstra for the last seven years before replacing Steve Lappas, now at Massachusetts.

After a 3-point shot by William McDonald pulled Grambling (1-2) within 55-52 with 12:32 left in the game, the Wildcats went on an 18-8 run, with Buchanan scoring 12. That gave Villanova a 73-60 advantage with four minutes to go and the Tigers never threatened again.

Grambling battled Villanova evenly in the first half and trailed by 40-38 at halftime. Villanova converted 19 of 21 free throws in the half, led by Wright, who was 10 of 12 from the line.

It was the first-ever meeting between the two schools.