Feb. 25, 2003

Recap?|? Box Score

Villanova Wildcats
Vs.
Miami Hurricanes
Post Game Notes - February 25, 2003
Villanova, Pa.
The Pavilion - 6,500

Senior Sendoff: Today's game versus Miami marks the last regularly scheduled game at the Pavilion for four of the Wildcats. Seniors Ricky Wright, Andrew Sullivan, Lou Ruskey, and Gary Buchanan will be making their last appearance on the Main Line unless Villanova should host a postseason NIT game. The senior class of 2003 closed out their careers with a strong performance against Miami winning convincingly on the Pavilion court, 75-56.

Curtis in Control: Freshman Curtis Sumpter came out firing against the Hurricanes pouring in 12 first half points. Sumpter had 12 points earlier this season against UMBC, which was his career high heading into tonight's contest. It wasn't a one-dimensional performance for Sumpter either. The frosh chipped in four first half rebounds, two blocks, and one steal in helping the 'Cats close out the half on a 19-4 run. Sumpter continued where he left off with a quick lay in and three from the corner to open the second half. The final line for Sumpter; a career high 21 points, 5 rebounds, (?) steals, and (2) blocks.

Cold to Hot: Villanova seemed like they were headed for a long night at the start of the game. The 'Cats opened with multiple misses from the field while the Hurricanes grabbed an early lead. That quickly changed as Villanova found their touch and turned up the defense jumping to a 30-19 halftime lead. With eight minutes left in the second half the Wildcats led 61-37, and had been on a 52-15 run that put away Miami for good. As a team Villanova shot 29-71 for .408 from the field while the Hurricanes made only 19-52 shots. The leading scorers for the hot shooting 'Cats were Sumpter with 21, Snowden with 15, and senior Ricky Wright with 10 who also added 11 rebounds.