`Cats Hold Off Rutgers Down the Stretch, 53-49 :: 'Nova has won 12 of its last 13 games.

Jan. 9, 2004

VILLANOVA, PA. - Villanova improved to 12-2 on the season and 2-1 in the Big East by slipping past visiting Rutgers, 53-49 on Friday night. The Wildcats went 4-for-4 from the free throw line down the stretch to seal the victory, their 18th in the last 20 games at the Pavilion. The 'Cats are a perfect 6-0 on the Main Line this season.

Villanova, playing just 48 hours after its thrilling victory over No. 24 Miami, was involved in another tight battle against the Scarlet Knights.

The 'Cats extended their lead to eight, their largest of the game, at 40-32 with 13:04 remaining in the contest. But Rutgers responded with a 12-3 run over the 9:26 to take a 44-43 advantage.

Liad Suez ended the spell with a jumper from beyond the arc for three of her 11 points.

Courtney Mix gave the 'Cats the lead for good with 1:55 to go on a running hook shot. 'Nova sealed the win by hitting four consecutive from the stripe, two apiece by Jenna Viani and Jennifer Hilgenberg.

Rutgers had a chance to draw even on their next-to-last possession of the game following a Villanova turnover, but Shalicia Hurns missed a layup and the Wildcats took over.

Villanova built a 27-25 lead at halftime thanks to a perfect 4-for-4 from downtown by senior Kelly Nash. She finished the night with 12 points to lead the 'Cats.

Mix turned in another impressive stat line: 11 points on 5-for-10 shooting, five rebounds, four assists, four blocks and a steal. She turned the ball over just one time in her 40 minutes of action.

As a team, VU had just nine turnovers, the seventh time this season the 'Cats have finished a game with less than ten giveaways. Villanova currently leads the nation in fewest turnovers per game with 9.5.

The 'Cats are 10th in the country in scoring defense, and second in the conference, after limiting an opponent to less than 50 points for the fifth time this year.

Rutgers' Cappie Pondexter led all scorers with 19 points. Chelsea Newton added 10.

Villanova returns to action on Wednesday, Jan. 14. The Wildcats travel to Blacksburg, Va. to take on Virginia Tech at 7:00 p.m.