March 21, 2002

VILLANOVA, PA. ----- On Thursday, March 21, Pepsi, Co. along with the Villanova Athletic Department and the Villanova Men's Basketball Team teamed up to distribute 750 free tickets to Villanova students for Friday night's NIT Quarterfinal game at the Liacouras Center between the Villanova Wildcats and the Temple Owls.

For all involved the event was a success, especially for Villanova head coach Jay Wright and his players, who will be the recipients of an increased amount of support on Friday night, despite being on the road.

The event began at noon on Thursday and lasted only 45 minutes before all the student tickets were distributed. The event was originally planned for an hour. Wright along with his players and coaching staff were in attendance at the event handing out tickets, soda, and pizza donated by Domino's Pizza. Pepsi, Co., a proud sponsor of Villanova Athletics, graciously agreed to pick up the price of the student tickets.

"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 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.

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