March 21, 2002

VILLANOVA, PA. ----- On Thursday, March 21, the Villanova Athletic Department received word that Pepsi, Co. has willingly purchased the student ticket allotment for Friday night's National Invitation Tournament quarterfinal match-up between Temple and Villanova at the Liacouras Center in Philadelphia.

In conjunction with the Villanova men's basketball coaching staff and Pepsi representatives, the tickets will be distributed on Thursday, March 21, between 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. at the Pavilion on a first come, first serve basis. During the one-hour span, Villanova head coach Jay Wright and the men's basketball team will personally hand out the tickets, pizza and Pepsi to the students.

"Friday night's game between Temple and Villanova creates a great college basketball atmosphere in the city of Philadelphia," said Pepsi spokeswomen, Sue Gross. "We are delighted to give the Villanova students the opportunity to attend the game and cheer on the Wildcats."

Pepsi has also donated buses to transport Villanova students to and from the Liacouras Center on Friday night. Buses will depart from the Pike Field Main Lot promptly at 5:30 p.m. Students will be able to pick up their bus passes along with their tickets on Thursday.

For more information, please contact Villanova Media Relations Assistant, Kevin Fischer, at 610.519.6460 or via email at kevin.fischer@villanova.edu.