Feb. 16, 2008

Recap | Box Score

POINTS IN A HALF: Villanova led 31-13 at halftime and had not allowed as few as 13 points in a half since giving up just 11 in the first half to New Mexico on March 18, 2005 in the first round of the NCAA Tournament (55-47 Wildcat victory). In addition, Villanova had not allowed fewer than 22 points in a half in any previous game this season (led Penn 53-22 at the half on December 1).

POINTS IN A GAME: After allowing fewer than 60 points in just two of its first 22 games, Villanova has surrendered less than 60 points in back-to-back games. Tonight's game marked the first time the Wildcats limited an opponent to less than 50 points since a 64-48 win over Cincinnati last season on February 14, 2007. Villanova is 16-2 under Jay Wright when allowing fewer than 50 points.

DEFENSIVE TREND: In tonight's victory the Wildcats allowed 13 points in the first half and 29 points in the second half. Villanova has now surrendered fewer than 30 points in the last five halves of basketball it has played. Prior to the beginning of this stretch, the Wildcats had given up at least 30 points in 12 of the previous 13 halves it played, including eight halves allowing at least 40 points in that span.

DEFENDING SHOTS: For the third straight game, Villanova held the opposition to 40 percent shooting or lower from the field. St. John's hit on 25.5 percent (13-of-51) from the field tonight and the Wildcats limited Georgetown to 40.0 percent shooting (16-of-40) this past Monday. The streak began last Saturday when Seton Hall shot 39.3 percent (24-of-61) against Villanova. Prior to these three games, Wildcat opponents had shot at least 40 percent in 18 of the team's first 21 games, including each of the first nine BIG EAST contests. The 25.5 percent shooting by St. John's marked the first time Villanova held an opponent under 30 percent since last season's 56-39 win over Saint Joseph's on February 6, 2007. The last time a Wildcat opponent shot lower in a game was on November 22, 2002 when Drexel shot 25.0 percent (14-of-56) in a 64-41 Villanova victory.

ROAD RECORDS: The 18-point margin of victory in tonight's victory was the largest for Villanova in a BIG EAST road game since a 33-point victory over Rutgers on January 29, 2005 (94-61 win). The Wildcats are now 2-5 on the road in conference play this season, compared to 3-2 at home in league games. Villanova's other road BIG EAST win this season was an 81-71 decision at Syracuse on January 19.

GOOD AT THE GARDEN: Villanova has won the last three games played against St. John's at Madison Square Garden. The Wildcats also posted an 82-73 win on January 15, 2003 and a 70-68 triumph on March 5, 2005. Overall, Villanova is just 7-12 against the Red Storm in the building. The Wildcats are 9-8 in all games played at Madison Square Garden under head coach Jay Wright.

SEASON HIGH FOR STOKES: Freshman guard Corey Stokes contributed a career-high 13 points in tonight's victory. In 18 minutes of action, Stokes shot 4-of-7 from the field, including 3-of-5 from three-point range, and 2-of-2 from the foul line. It was the second time scoring in double figures for Stokes, who previously had 11 points against Notre Dame at the Wachovia Center on January 26. In 24 games this season, Stokes is averaging 3.9 points per game. He is averaging 4.7 points per contest in 12 Big East games.

DWAYNE'S DOUBLE-DOUBLE: Junior forward Dwayne Anderson registered his first career double-double with 11 points and 10 rebounds tonight. Anderson grabbed a career high 10 rebounds for the second straight game after also getting 10 in Monday night's game at Georgetown. Over his last four games, Anderson is averaging 9.5 points and 8.0 rebounds per game.

FEW FREE THROWS: The six free throws attempted by Villanova in tonight's game were the fewest since the Wildcats also took just six foul shots last season on November 30, 2006 against Stony Brook. The four free throws made in tonight's game were Villanova's fewest since also making four at Boston College on January 19, 2005.

THIS AND THAT: Villanova is 11-3 this season when getting more rebounds than its opponent ... The Wildcats owned a 38-31 rebounding edge in tonight's game ... Villanova is now guaranteed to finish the regular season with at least a .500 record ... The team has ended the regular season with a winning record in each of Jay Wright's seasons as head coach ... Villanova has won six of the last seven meetings with the Red Storm ... Tonight marked the 100th meeting in the all-time series, which St. John's leads 58-42 ... The Wildcats have played the Red Storm more times than any other opponent in their history.