Feb. 10, 2004
VILLANOVA WILDCATS (13-8, 5-3 Big East)
vs.
#21 PROVIDENCE FRIARS (15-5, 6-3 Big East)
Wednesday, Feb. 11, 2004
7:35 p.m.
The Pavilion - Villanova, Pa.
WFIL Radio (560 AM)
Game notes for Wednesday night's Big East men's basketball game between the Villanova Wildcats (13-8, 5-3 Big East) and Providence Friars (15-5, 6-3 Big East). The 'Cats are looking to avenge an earlier defeat to PC on Jan. 21, as well as pick up their first win over a ranked opponent since Feb. 15, 2003 against Connecticut.
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THE NOTEBOOK
Overcoming the Hoyas
As he contemplated Villanova's Feb. 5 visit to Georgetown, Villanova head coach Jay Wright was concerned.
"We were coming off an emotional game against Saint Joseph's," said Wright. "We had expended a lot of energy and then had to travel. Georgetown is a good team that had gotten a big road victory in double overtime in its previous game against Miami. They are very athletic and I knew it would be a challenge for us.
"But our guys responded."
Indeed, Villanova's offensive execution was solid from the outset as Jason Fraser scored the 'Cats first six points after perimeter penetration broke down the Hoya defense.
"I thought we played well in the first half," stated Wright. "Georgetown made a lot of tough shots."
The Hoyas converted 13-of-29 (.448) from the field in the first half and 3-of-5 (.600) from beyond the 3-point arc. That allowed Georgetown to keep pace with Villanova in the first 20 minutes. The Wildcats took a 32-31 lead into intermission.
In the second half, however, Villanova's defense shackled the Hoyas for the first 11 minutes of the second half. Georgetown scored just 11 points in the first 11:15 of the second half. By the time it broke its dry spell, the 'Cats had built a 56-43 advantage as senior guard Derrick Snowden came off the bench to drill three 3-point field goals.
Villanova kept the Hoyas at arm's length the rest of the way, ultimately earning a 75-60 victory. It was the Wildcats' third straight victory at the MCI Center.
"This was a good step for us," stated Wright.
The Wildcats reached the midway point of the Big East regular season at 5-3. There are eight games remaining on the regular season slate, including four at home and four on the road. Villanova finds itself in fourth place bunched tightly with a group of teams looking to make a statement down the stretch with the postseason looming.
"We know all of the teams have a similar record," said sophomore forward Curtis Sumpter. "We just have to come out and get wins."
Sumpter Was Super
On Feb. 2 against Saint Joseph's, Curtis Sumpter endured one of those nights.
You know the kind.
No matter what basketball task Sumpter attempted on that night, there was seemingly no reward. Short field goals rimmed out. Free throws clanked off the rim.
By night's end, the 6-7 forward from Brooklyn, N.Y. suffered through his most difficult night as a collegian. Although he finished with nine points, Sumpter was just 1-of-14 from the field and 7-of-13 from the line.
He wasted little time on Thursday night making amends.
Despite second half foul trouble that limited him to 23 minutes of action, Sumpter was the dominant performer against Georgetown, scoring 24 points on 9-of-11 shooting from the field. He was also 2-of-2 from beyond the 3-point arc and 4-of-4 at the charity stripe.
"I wanted to go in and do it on defense, to get some rebounds and go from there," stated Sumpter.
Sumpter is second on the Wildcats in scoring (15.9 ppg) and rebounding (7.1 rpg), and is converting .507 of his field goal attempts. He is also connecting on .753 of his free throw attempts.
Tracking the Trio
A good sign for Villanova is that the Wildcats produced a victory against Georgetown without superior play from its starting trio of guards that includes Randy Foye, Mike Nardi and Allan Ray. Only Ray reached double figures (12 points).
When each member of that group reaches double figures in scoring this season, Villanova is 8-3. When two of the three reach that number, the 'Cats are 2-3. When one member of the group is in double figures, Villanova's record is 2-2. The only quirk in this equation came on Dec. 12: none of the trio hit double digits yet the 'Cats handled Northeastern largely on the strength of Curtis Sumpter's career-high 39 points.
When the group combines to shoot 50 percent or better from the field this season, Villanova is 7-1.
When the trio converts less than 50 percent from the floor, the 'Cats are 6-7. Foye, Nardi and Ray were a combined 7-of-21 (.333) from the floor in the victory at Georgetown.
Snow Storm
Over the course of his four years on the Main Line, senior guard Derrick Snowden has provided the Wildcats with more than a few lifts with his play.
However, few felt as good to those around the Baltimore native as did the one he provided at Georgetown.
After a difficult January of working his way back into the rotation in the wake of surgery to repair a torn ACL in his left knee on Aug. 27, Snowden was a difference maker against the Hoyas. He came off the bench in the second half to score 10 points, including three 3-point field goals that broke open a close game.
"Our bench just exploded when Snow made those shots," stated Wright. "Our guys know what he has been through and they know how important he can be to us for the rest of the season."
Snowden's production has been limited by the rust that accumulated during his layoff. He returned to the lineup on Dec. 28 against UNC Greensboro but has played no more than 20 minutes in any single game this season after leading the club in that category in each of the past two seasons.
"I'm just so happy for Derrick," stated Wright. "He's been doing a lot of little intangible things for us to help us like rebounding and steals. But it was nice to see his shots fall because we all know he can make those."
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 13 victories this season, the `Cats have had four or more players score in double figures nine times.
For the season, Villanova has four players averaging double figures in points, including Allan Ray (17.6), Curtis Sumpter (15.9), Randy Foye (14.1) and Mike Nardi (11.5).
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 155 or more field goal attempts and three players (Foye, Nardi and Ray) averaging at least three assists per game.
Triple Territory
Perimeter defense has been a growth area for Villanova but the Wildcats percentage has taken a hit in its last four outings.
Rutgers damaged Villanova from deep on Jan. 28, converting 10-of-21 (.476) 3-point attempts. Saint Joseph's was 7-of-13 (.538) from deep in its victory on Feb. 2. Georgetown was 5-of-11 (.455) from beyond the arc on Feb. 5.
In its last four games, Villanova's opponents are 31-of-70 (.423) from 3-point territory. The Wildcats have made great strides in defending the 3-point field goal this season after finishing last in the Big East Conference in 3-point field goal percentage defense in 2002-03 (.377).
On the year, Villanova's opponents are 153-of-461 (.332) from beyond the arc, good enough for sixth place in the league.
Going Forward
While much of the focus has been on Villanova's guards this season, it was the frontline that did the most offensive damage against Georgetown. Center Jason Fraser and forwards Curtis Sumpter and Will Sheridan were a combined 16-of-20 (.800) from the floor in the triumph.
That group also contributed 17 rebounds to the win.
Good Will Hunting
Freshman forward Will Sheridan has given Villanova a major lift off the bench of late.
"Will Sheridan gives us great chemistry," stated Wright. "He communicates on defense, is a verbal kid and really gets everyone going."
Sheridan was at it again in the win over Georgetown, chipping in with seven points and four rebounds in 21 minutes. In his last three games, Sheridan is averaging 10.0 points and 3.7 rebounds per contest.
Although he doesn't shoot often - only 65 field goal attempts in 21 games - the rookie from Bear, Del. makes them count. His field goal percentage now stands at .692 on the season. More important is the fact that he averages 5.3 ppg and 5.0 rpg.
It's also worth noting that Sheridan has committed just 12 turnovers this season in 465 minutes.
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 158-48 (.767) in the Pavilion all-time.
The Wildcats have been especially proficient in the Pavilion in the last decade. Since 1994-95, Villanova is 96-15 (.865) on its primary homecourt. It is 26-6 (.813) in the Pavilion since Jay Wright became head coach in 2001.
All seven games played at the Pavilion this season have been sellouts. The last 38 regular season home games played on the building on Ithan Avenue have been sellouts.
The Wildcats also host games at the Wachovia Center in downtown Philadelphia. Villanova is 0-2 in the building this season and 10-14 (.417) all-time. It will host Connecticut at the Center on Feb. 28. Tickets are on sale through Ticketmaster.
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 -played a complete round-robin schedule.
Villanova defeated Temple (73-48), La Salle (74-63) and Penn (73-63). Its only loss in the city this year was to nationally ranked St. Joseph's on Feb. 2 at the Pavilion (a 74-67 decision in favor of the Hawks).
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
Saint Joseph's 3-0Villanova 3-1Temple 1-1Pennsylvania 1-3La Salle 0-3
Austin Powered Down
Junior forward Marcus Austin has not dressed for action since the middle of January. The irritation of a stress fracture in his left foot sidelined Austin in January.
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.
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. notched his team-leading 18th double figure scoring output in 21 games against Georgetown. Ray scored 12 points and collected seven rebounds in 33 minutes of activity.
In just his second season on the Main Line, Ray already has scored 677 career points. He paces the Wildcats in scoring at 17.6 ppg.
Ray also has 79 rebounds, an average of 3.8 rpg.
His 66 assists (3.1 apg) are third on the club behind Mike Nardi (93) and Randy Foye (80).
