Feb. 6, 2006

VILLANOVA, Pa. - Senior guard Allan Ray (Bronx, N.Y.) has been recognized for his outstanding play in the last two games, and was named the Big East Co-Player of the Week and Philadelphia Big Five Player of the Week on Monday. Ray received the honors for the week of January 30-February 5, which encompassed Wildcat wins over Louisville and Marquette.

In the two games, Ray averaged 27.0 points and 6.0 rebounds per game while helping Villanova extend its winning streak to six straight and an overall season record of 17-2. Ray hit 16-of-36 shots from the floor and made 9-of-19 three-pointers on the week. He also made 13-of-14 free throws.

In a come-from-behind win over Marquette on Saturday, Ray scored a season-high 28 points in a 72-67 triumph. He scored five straight points during a late 12-0 run that secured the victory, including a heavily guarded three-pointer with under two minutes left that gave Villanova the lead for good. Ray also scored 26 points last Monday night in a 79-73 victory over Louisville.

The Wildcats are currently 17-2 on the season and 8-1 in Big East play, marking their best-ever start in league games. Ray ranks second on the team in scoring at a 19.6 pace, and has made a team-high 63 three-pointers.

Villanova will face Big Five rival Saint Joseph's on Tuesday night at 7:30 p.m. from the Palestra. The game will decide the City Series title, as both squads enter the contest with a 3-0 record in Big Five play. The next Big East game is a 2 p.m. contest on Saturday at DePaul.