Syracuse University
Villanova (BET)
Villanova Ends SU's BIG EAST Tournament Hopes, 78-64
3/6/2002 10:30:00 PM | Men's Basketball
NEW YORK, NY -- Villanova (17-11) defeated Syracuse (20-11) for the second time in less than a week, this time in the BIG EAST Tournament, 78-64.
Syracuse seemed intent on reversing a Feb. 28, 67-61 loss at Villanova, jumping out to a 23-10 lead midway through the first half of the first-round BIG EAST Tournament game. Senior forward Preston Shumpert had nine points in the fast start.
Villanova answered with 12 straight points, the first eight by guard Gary Buchanan. SU managed to extend its lead to six three more times in the opening half but the Wildcats closed with back-to-back threes from guard Reggie Bryant in the final 41 seconds and the two clubs entered intermission tied at 35-35.
Syracuse limited Villanova to one basket in the first six minutes of the second half but at the same time was unable to build an advantage greater than four points. A stunning slam dunk by freshman forward Hakim Warrick with 10:11 left, put SU ahead, 47-46. The Orangemen never led again as Villanova pulled away.
Shumpert led the Orangemen with 21 points, junior guard DeShaun Williams had 12 and freshman center Craig Forth finished with 11 points and 10 rebounds.
Villanova advances to a BIG EAST quarterfinal game with Connecticut on Thursday night at 7:00 p.m.
