Nov 21, 2003

Final Stats

PHILADELPHIA (AP) - Randy Foye and Allan Ray each had 20 points to lead Villanova to a 73-48 victory over Temple in Friday's post-midnight season opener for both teams.

The undermanned Wildcats had four of their seven active players score in double figures as Curtis Sumpter had 14 and Mike Nardi added 11.

David Hawkins had 16 points to lead the Owls, who shot just 27 percent from the field.

The game - which tipped off at 12:03 a.m. - was the result of a scheduling conflict between the schools.

NCAA rules state that Friday was the first day teams could play a nonexempt game. Since the Wildcats play four games in five days starting Saturday, the late starting time was the only option.

Despite the unusual scheduling, a raucous, near-capacity crowd was in attendance.

Just more than two minutes into the game, a bottle that appeared to come from a Villanova rooting section was thrown onto the floor, causing a five-minute stoppage while the court was cleaned and security regained control of the crowd.

During the stoppage, Wildcats coach Jay Wright addressed the section, saying, "Villanova fans, let's act with class like we always do and protect the players."

Once order was re-established, Villanova went on a 12-3 run to take the early lead. After Temple pulled within three, Nardi started a 12-4 run with a 3-pointer.

Owls starting center Keith Butler didn't play after spraining an ankle in last Friday's exhibition game. The Wildcats were also without several key players due to injury and suspensions stemming from last season's improper use of a university telephone access code.