Jan. 27, 2004
VILLANOVA WILDCATS (11-6, 3-2)
vs.
RUTGERS SCARLET KNIGHTS (10-6, 2-4)
Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2004
7:35 p.m.
The Pavilion - Villanova, Pa.
WFIL Radio (560 AM)
Game notes for Wednesday night's Big East game between Villanova (11-6, 3-2) and Rutgers (10-6, 2-4). The Wildcats play the first of three consecutive games on Ithan Ave., where RU is 0-5 lifetime.
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The Notebook
Miami Project
South Florida attracts thousands of visitors each January eager to refresh themselves in the warmth.
The Villanova basketball team hoped to find some soothing balm in the sunshine as well. Fresh from a rugged 62-56 defeat at Providence on Jan. 21 in which it connected on just 34 percent of its attempts from the field, Villanova was eager to re-establish its offensive legs.
From the outset, the Wildcats did just that.
In the early minutes, the Villanova offense ran efficiently as the Wildcats built a 19-11 advantage with 12:43 to go in the first half.
However, Miami got its offense going at that point and the Hurricanes took a 36-35 edge into intermission.
The Wildcats used stifling defense to spark the offense in the early stages of the second half. Miami converted just 3-of-25 shots in the first 12 minutes of the stanza as Villanova built a 63-51 edge with 6:31 left.
Miami charged back and got to within four points of the 'Cats in the final minutes. But key free throws by Randy Foye and Allan Ray helped complete the 76-69 victory.
"I know our fans don't want to hear this but we're continuing to learn lessons out there," stated Villanova coach Jay Wright. "We've got two good road victories and that's a sign of a good team, especially in this league. We take a lot of pride in that."
Trio Tells the Tale
They are the only three Wildcats to have started every game this season. Thus, it is not surprising to learn that the play of Villanova guards Randy Foye, Mike Nardi and Allan Ray has an enormous impact on the 'Cats' effectiveness.
When each member of that group reaches double figures in scoring this season, Villanova is 7-3. When two of the three reach that number, the 'Cats are 2-1. When one member of the group is in double figures, Villanova's record is 1-2.
When the group combines to shoot 50 percent or better from the field this season, Villanova is 6-0. When the trio converts less than 50 percent from the floor, the 'Cats are 5-6.
Randy's Revival
One week ago in a loss at Providence, sophomore guard Randy Foye endured what was one of the least productive evenings of his career. The native of Newark, N.J. connected on just 1-of-10 field goals against the Friars, scoring seven points in 33 minutes.
In the early stages of Sunday's battle, Foye's radar still seemed off target. He connected on only 2-of-8 field goal attempts in the first half.
However, in the second half he found his range, converting 4-of-6 from the floor and getting to the free throw line frequently (he was 8-of-9). In the end, Foye completed the afternoon with 21 points, eight assists and seven rebounds.
Foye ranks second on the Wildcats in scoring at 15.6 ppg, trailing only backcourt partner Allan Ray. Perhaps more than any other individual on the squad, his effectiveness can serve as a barometer for the team's performance.
Foye is 94-of-234 from the field in 2003-04 (.402). When the product of East Side High School converts 40 percent of his field goal attempts in a game this season, the 'Cats are 8-1. When he is below that number, Villanova is 3-5.
Rebounding is another area where Foye can be a huge asset for Villanova. There have been eight times this season when Foye has collected six or more caroms in a contest and Villanova is 6-2 in those situations.
It's the Starters
The Villanova Wildcats lean heavily on their starting lineup as research by Stats Inc. makes clear.
Despite a strong bench effort against Miami on Sunday that produced 21 points, Villanova relies on its starters for offense to a degree unmatched by any other Division I squad in the nation. Of the points produced through 17 games, 89 percent have come from the starting lineup.
That's a higher percentage than anyone else in the nation through games of Jan. 25. The top five include:
1. Villanova (88.94)2. Niagara (87.43)3. Cornell (87.04)4. Temple (87.03)5. Kentucky (86.71)
Balance of Power
It has been all about balance this season for the Villanova offense. When Villanova's offense has been in gear, the Wildcats have spread the offensive wealth.
In Villanova's 11 victories this season, the `Cats have had four or more players score in double figures eight times.
For the season, Villanova has four players averaging doubles figures in points, including Allan Ray (18.1), Randy Foye (15.6), Curtis Sumpter (15.6) and Mike Nardi (12.1).
The Wildcats' balance and unselfishness can be seen in the field goal and assist columns as well. Villanova has four players (Foye, Nardi, Ray and Sumpter) with 135 or more field goal attempts and three players (Foye, Nardi and Ray) averaging at least three assists per game.
Defensive Drills
After surrendering an average of 82.5 points in its first four games this month, the Wildcats have tightened up considerably of late at the defensive end.
At Providence, Villanova limited the Friars to 39 percent field goal shooting from the field. In the win at Miami, the Hurricanes were just 10-of-41 from the floor (.244) in the second half and finished the day at .333 on field goal attempts.
Most significant was the work the Wildcats did on Darius Rice. The senior, a preseason Wooden Award nominee, scored 15 points but connected on just 4-of-19 from the floor as Andreas Bloch, Curtis Sumpter and Chris Charles took turns harassing him.
"I have great respect for Rice, and I personally like the kid, so we focused on him," stated Wright. "Even though (Robert) Hite is their leading scorer, Rice is the guy who has been around, winning games for them.
"It took three guys, showing him different looks, to wear him down. If you leave him open, he's going to score."
The Wildcats are 8-1 this season when holding foes to 38 percent shooting or less from the floor.
Jason's Jolt
Foul trouble limited his contributions on Sunday, but Jason Fraser again was solid in the middle for the Wildcats, scoring six points and collecting six rebounds in 28 minutes.
Injury has been a constant undercurrent for Fraser since he arrived on campus in the fall of 2002. The former McDonald's All-American was plagued by tendonitis in both knees throughout 2002-03. On April 9, Fraser underwent surgery in both knees to correct the tendonitis issue. The Amityville, N.Y. native spent the rest of the summer rehabilitating his knees. At the end of October Fraser was again sidelined, by a stress fracture in his left foot.
Fraser played only 10 minutes in Villanova's first 10 games but has been a revelation of late. He is now the 'Cats top rebounder at 8.1 rpg and also averages 5.8 ppg. In the last five outings, Fraser has 56 rebounds.
Sumpter Stuff
Another key to Villanova's interior game is sophomore forward Curtis Sumpter. The product of Bishop Loughlin (N.Y.) High School is second on the Wildcats in scoring at 15.6 ppg and rebounding at 7.6 rpg.
On Sunday, Sumpter made a pair of critical 3-point field goals to help Villanova stifle a Miami run in the first half. It marked the first time since Jan. 2 that the Brooklyn, N.Y. native converted multiple 3-point field goal attempts in a game.
Sumpter is now 14-of-41 (.341) from deep on the year.
Ray Rolled
Sophomore guard Allan Ray has been a consistent offensive force for the Wildcats in 2003-04.
The native of the Bronx, N.Y. dropped in 15 points to go with five rebounds in the 76-69 win at Miami. Ray has scored 15 or more points in seven of his last eight games and failed to reach double figures in points just three times in 17 starts this season.
As he nears the midway point of his sophomore season, Ray has already eclipsed the 600-point plateau (616). (Classmate Randy Foye is right behind him with 584 career points).
Ray paces the Wildcats in scoring at 18.1 ppg.
Suspension Summary
The suspensions related to the misuse of a university telephone access code revealed last March have now been completed.
The recap of those affected in 2003-04:
Marcus Austin (served 8 games, suspension complete)Andreas Bloch (served 5 games, suspension complete)Chris Charles (served 3 games, suspension complete)Derrick Snowden (served 3 games, suspension complete)Curtis Sumpter (served 3 games, suspension complete)
Pavilion Power
Villanova has capitalized on its homecourt advantage since the Pavilion opened its doors on Feb. 1, 1986. The Wildcats are 157-46 (.774) in the Pavilion all-time.
With its victory over Northeastern on Dec. 12, VU improved to 17-1 all-time in home openers at the Pavilion. The only loss came to Seton Hall in 1991.
The Wildcats have been especially proficient in the Pavilion in the last decade. Since 1994-95, Villanova is 95-13 (.880) on its primary homecourt. It is 25-4 (.862) in the Pavilion since Jay Wright became head coach in 2001.
Monday Night
Due to the heavy number of media requests for the Saint Joseph's game on Feb. 2, please be advised that there will be several different alterations in the normal game night routine.
Those without Pavilion parking passes are asked to park in the Main Lot on Lancaster Avenue. The media meal will be served on the Jake Nevin Field House stage beginning at 6:45 p.m.
No further credential applications are being accepted.
Philadelphia Big Five
The historic tradition known as the Philadelphia Big Five continues in 2003-04. Villanova and its City Series rivals - La Salle, Penn, Saint Joseph's and Temple - will play a complete round-robin schedule.
Villanova defeated Temple (73-48), La Salle (74-63) and Penn (73-63). It will host Saint Joseph's on Feb. 2 in a contest that will be broadcast nationally by ESPN2.
This marks the most wins for Villanova in the City Series since the 2000-01 season, when it completed the campaign with a 4-0 record. The Wildcats were 2-2 in both 2001-02 and 2002-03.
Big Five Standings
Villanova 3-0Saint Joseph's 1-0Temple 1-1Pennsylvania 1-3La Salle 0-2
Austin Powered Down
Junior forward Marcus Austin did not dress for Villanova's Jan. 18 home date against St. John's due to irritation of an old fracture in his left foot.
Austin is listed as doubtful for Sunday's game and will be examined by a foot specialist on Monday.
The junior from Irvington, N.J. has seen action in just one game this season. He served an eight game suspension for his role in the misuse of a university telephone access code and was not available until Dec. 22 against Columbia.
Bloch Party
On Sunday afternoon at Miami, senior forward Andreas Bloch made the second start of his college career and his first in two seasons.
The native of Germany offered a solid account of himself in 19 minutes of action.
Bloch began the game chasing Darius Rice around the floor and was part of the unit that helped limit the Hurricane standout to 4-of-19 shooting on the day.
In addition, Bloch provided an offensive boost with nine points on 4-of-6 shooting from the floor. He was 1-of-2 from beyond the 3-point arc and also contributed three rebounds and one blocked shot.
