Villanova Succumbs at Syracuse, Falling 75-64

by Craig Dimitri
E-mail: novaviewpoint@yahoo.com

Curtis Sumpter continues to come up big - but Villanova continues to struggle in Big East play. The Wildcats lost for the third time in four tries in the league, falling @ Syracuse, 75-64, on Saturday, January 13. The Orangemen were led by Demetris Nichols, who scored 23 points, and Terrence Roberts, who had a monstrous double-double - 17 points and 14 rebounds. Two other Orangemen, Andy Rautins and Darryl Watkins, also finished with 11 points.

Sumpter had a stellar game, finishing with two dozen points and a dozen rebounds, and he had some help: Mike Nardi added 17 points, and Scottie Reynolds contributed 14 points prior to fouling out with just over two minutes to play. Their play was the reason why the Wildcats trailed by just four at halftime; Sumpter had 11 points in just the first seven minutes. But Syracuse bolted out to a 14-0 run, early in the second half, dooming the Wildcats' hopes. 'Nova never drew closer than nine points for the remainder of the contest.

Syracuse improved to 3-1 Big East, 14-4 overall. Villanova slumped to 1-3 Big East, 11-5 overall. The Wildcats return to the Pavilion to take on #20 Notre Dame, on Wednesday, January 17.

Questions? Comments? Information? You can contact Craig Dimitri at novaviewpoint@yahoo.com.