Jan 28, 2004

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VILLANOVA, Pa. (AP) - Ricky Shields scored 19 points and Juel Wiggan had 10 points and 10 assists as Rutgers defeated Villanova 71-68 Wednesday night.

After a layup by Wiggan made it 68-63 with 26.6 seconds left, Villanova's Curtis Sumpter turned the ball over on the inbound pass. But the Wildcats (11-7, 3-3 Big East) got a steal on Rutgers' inbound pass and Sumpter converted a layup and free throw to make it 68-66 Rutgers with 19 seconds left.

After two free throws from Quincy Douby, Sumpter scored to make it 70-68 Rutgers with 17.3 seconds left. Douby made one of two attempts with 5.7 remaining for a 71-68 lead. Villanova's Randy Foye then missed a 3-pointer at the buzzer that would have sent the game into overtime.

Herve Lamizana had 11 points and nine rebounds for Rutgers (11-6, 3-4).

Sumpter led Villanova with 25 points and seven rebounds and Ray had 16 points. Jason Fraser had 10 points and four blocks.

Villanova took a 54-51 lead with 7:42 left after a 9-0 run. Rutgers then went on a 15-3 run to take a 66-57 lead with 2:28 left.

Villanova cut Rutgers lead to 66-63 and had a chance to tie the game after a turnover by Wiggan with 1:33 left, but Foye missed a 3-pointer and, after a rebound by Sumpter, the Wildcats turned the ball over.