March 21, 2002

Villanova, Pa. - Freshman forward Chris Charles has been admitted to Bryn Mawr Hospital as a result of an irregular heartbeat and will be unavailable for Friday night's National Invitation Tournament quarterfinal round game at Temple.

Charles was first diagnosed with arterial fibrillation, the medical term for his condition, prior to Villanova's season opener on Nov. 21. The native of Milwaukee missed the season's first six games before he was cleared to play on Dec. 10. Charles has played in 22 games since then with one start and is averaging 1.7 points and 2.2 rebounds per game.

On Wednesday Charles entered Bryn Mawr Hospital after being examined by team physician Dr. Frank Furman. As of Thursday afternoon he remains in the hospital while Furman and cardiologist Dr. John Fisher monitor and evaluate his condition.

For more information please contact the Villanova Men's Basketball contact, Mike Sheridan at 610.519.4120, or via email at michael.sheridan@villanova.edu.