Oct 11, 2003

Final Stats

SOUTH KINGSTOWN, R.I. (AP) - Joe Casameto scored on a 1-yard plunge with 20 seconds left as Villanova beat host Rhode Island 21-17 Saturday at Meade Stadium.

Villanova (6-0, 4-0 Atlantic 10) converted a crucial fourth down to keep the game-winning drive alive. Trailing 17-14, Villanova faced a fourth and 17 before Casameto found Terry Butler for a 23-yard completion. Casameto then found John Dieser on a 32-yard completion to the Rhode Island 2-yard line to set up Casameto's winning score.

Rhode Island (3-3, 2-2 A-10) took the lead on Wendall Williams' second touchdown of the day, a 95-yard run with 8:52 remaining in the game. The Rams took a 10-7 lead on a 38-yard field goal by Shane Laisle with 10:53 left in the third quarter. Martin Gibson's 3-yard touchdown run put Villanova back up 14-10 with 29 seconds left in the third.

Butler led the Wildcats with 68 yards on 12 carries and Martin Gibson had 54 yards on 12 carries. Williams led Rhode Island with 105 yards on four carries and Jason Ham had 77 yards on 23 carries.

Casameto finished 28 of 37 for 201 yards, but was intercepted five times by Rhode Island.