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Feb. 20, 2004

VILLANOVA WILDCATS (18-5, 8-4)

vs.

ST. JOHN'S RED STORM (9-14, 3-9)

Saturday, Feb. 21, 2004

2:00 p.m.

The Pavilion - Villanova, Pa.

Villanova (18-5, 8-4) defeated St. John's (9-14, 3-9) by 13 points on Feb. 4, and the 'Cats will try to make it a season sweep on Saturday, Feb. 21 at 2:00 p.m. at the Pavilion. Click on the PDF link below for a complete version of the game notes.

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LAST TIME OUT: Villanova is coming off a 74-67 home win over West Virginia on Tuesday, Feb. 17. Offense was the name of the game in the first half, as the Wildcats shot 56.0 percent in the first 20 minutes and West Virginia shot 54.2 percent. The Wildcats went to halftime leading 40-31. In the second half, the Mountaineers started the half on a 10-2 run to cut the Villanova lead to 42-41 with 14:39 left in regulation. West Virginia grabbed its first lead of the game (48-47) at the 11:27 mark. Leading 60-59 with 4:45 to play, the Wildcats went on a 9-2 run to take a 69-61 advantage with 2:47 on the clock. The run was highlighted by senior guard Kelly Nash who had the first five points of the run and sophomore forward Kate Dessart Mager who tallied the final four points of the spurt. Villanova went 5-of-6 from the foul line down the stretch to seal the win. In the victory, the 'Cats were led by senior guard Courtney Mix and Nash who netted 14 points each and junior forward Jennifer Hilgenberg who had 13 points. The Mountaineers were paced by senior guard Kate Bulger with 17 points and Yolanda Paige with 14. For the game, Villanova was 21-of-50 (42.0%) from the field, 11-of-23 (47.8%) from three-point range and 21-of-23 (91.3%) from the foul line, while West Virginia shot 56.3 percent from the floor (27-of-48), 36.4 percent from behind the arc (4-of-11) and 69.2 percent from the foul line (9-of-13). West Virginia out-rebounded the Wildcats, 30-25. Villanova committed just four turnovers, while the Mountaineers had 11 turnovers.

ROUND ONE: Villanova and St. John's will meet for the second time this season when the two teams meet at The Pavilion on Saturday, Feb. 21. In the first meeting at St. John's on Feb. 4, the Wildcats tallied a 63-50 win. The Red Storm controlled the game early, taking a 12-6 lead just six minutes into the game. Villanova rebounded to lead 26-23 at halftime. The Wildcats started the second half on a 10-5 run to grab a 36-28 advantage at the 17:17 mark. Villanova would increase its lead to 13 at 43-30. St. John's made a rally to cut the Villanova advantage to six at 51-45 with 6:26 to play, before the 'Cats responded with a 7-0 spurt to increase the lead to 58-45 with 4:11 left in regulation. In the win, Villanova was led by sophomore forward Liad Suez who netted 16 points on 6-of-10 shooting and senior guard Kelly Nash who had 12 points on 4-of-10 shooting from behind the arc. Junior Jennifer Hilgenberg added 11 points on 4-of-5 shooting, including a 3-of-4 effort from three-point range. The Red Storm were paced by freshman Angie Clark who had 14 points. For the game, Villanova shot 42.9 percent from the floor (24-of-56), 41.4 percent from three-point range (12-of-29) and 30.0 percent from the foul line (3-of-10), while St. John's was 16-of-41 from the field (39.0%), 1-of-6 from long distance (16.7%) and 17-of-23 from the charity stripe (73.9%). In the second half, Villanova was 8-of-13 from three-point range. The Red Storm controlled the backboard, out-rebounding Villanova by a 36-28 margin.

WELCOME BACK: Villanova will hold its annual Women's Basketball Alumnae Game prior to Saturday's contest with St. John's. Over 40 former players are expected to return for the event. Tip-off for the Alumnae Game is set for 11:45 a.m.

FIRST HALF SUCCESS: Offensive output has been the theme for Villanova in the first half of the last three games. In the first half of the last three games, Villanova has scored 40 points or more in all three games and have totaled 131 first half points in the three contests combined. In the three games combined, Villanova made 50-of-83 (.602) from the field and 24-of-41 (.585) from three-point range in the game's first 20 minutes.

FANTASTIC FEBRUARY: Villanova enters play versus St. John's on Saturday, February 21 having won 17-straight February games. The streak began with a win at Rutgers on February 9, 2002. After going 6-2 in February during the 2001-02 season, the Wildcats went 7-0 in February of 2002-03 and are currently 4-0 this season in the second month. In 26 February games the last four seasons, Villanova has tallied a 22-4 mark.

PAVILION PERFECTION: Villanova will put its home unbeaten streak on the line versus St. John's on Saturday, February 21. The Wildcats are currently 10-0 at home this year and are 22-2 at home over the last two seasons.

DOUBLE FIGURE TRIPLES: Villanova is in the midst of its best three-point shooting streak of the season. In the last six games combined, the Wildcats are 67-of-151 (.443) from three-point range and have made double figures in three-pointers in five of the last six games. Villanova's best three-point effort of the streak came on Sunday, Feb. 8 versus Pittsburgh when the 'Cats were 16-of-26 (61.5%) from behind the arc, including an 11-of-18 effort in the first half. In the team's last outing versus West Virginia, the Wildcats were 11-of-23 from long distance. The Wildcats have had seven double figure made three-point field goal games this year. For the season, the Wildcats are 178-of-493 (36.1%) from three-point range. Villanova has outscored its opponents this year 534-213 from three-point range. In the latest Big East Conference statistics, Villanova currently leads the league in three-point field goals made.

TRIPLE THREAT: Senior guard Kelly Nash has been in a zone from three-point range in the last four games. In four consecutive wins over St. John's, Pittsburgh, Providence and West Virginia, Nash was 16-of-31 (51.6%) from behind the arc. In her last outing versus the Mountaineers, she scored a season-high 14 points on 4-of-8 shooting from three-point range and a 2-of-2 effort from the foul line. For the year, Nash has made 46 field goals with 42 coming from behind the arc, while 97 of her 113 field goal attempts have been from three-point range. After 23 games, she is 42-of-97 (.433) from long distance.

TOP CATS: Villanova has played outstanding defense all season long. Entering play versus St. John's on Saturday, Feb. 21, Villanova is giving up 51.7 points per game which leads the Big East Conference in scoring defense and ranks second nationally. After 23 games this year, the 'Cats have allowed 60 or less points 14 times and 50 or less on 10 occasions.

WELCOME TO THE CLUB: Senior guard Courtney Mix became the 17th player in Villanova Women's Basketball history to score 1,000 career points when she accomplished the feat in a 75-45 win over Pittsburgh on Sunday, February 8. Mix went over the 1,000 point mark when she connected on a three-point field goal with 18:29 left in the second half.

VILLANOVA 1,000 POINT SCORERS

Name			Years	Games	Points	Avg.
1. Shelly Pennefather	1983-87	117	2,408	20.5
2. Nancy Bernhardt		1980-84	119	2,018	16.9
3. Trish Juhline		1999-03	119	1,659	13.9
4. Lisa Ortlip		1978-82	111	1,634	14.7
5. Lisa Angelotti		1984-88	119	1,622	13.6
6. Jenea Skeeters		1996-00	115	1,387	12.1
7. Denise Dillon		1992-96	107	1,355	12.7
8. Kathie Beisel		1979-83	114	1,328	11.6
9. Katie Davis		1999-03	126	1,293	10.2
10. Helen Koskinen		1986-90	118	1,292	10.9
11. Nikki Benedix		1989-93	104	1,280	12.3
12. Michele Thornton	1991-95	111	1,261	11.4
13. Karen Hiznay		1977-81	96	1,072	11.2
14. Karen Hargadon		1983-87	117	1,058	9.0
15. Jenn Beisel		1994-98	111	1,050	9.4
16. Kathy Straccia		1975-79	76	1,048	13.8
17. Courtney Mix	2000-04	119	1,023	8.5

STATISTICALLY SPEAKING: As she has done throughout her Main Line career, senior Courtney Mix continues to put up impressive statistics in a number of different categories. After 23 games, Mix is leading the team in four categories, including rebounding (7.4 rpg.), assists (4.5 apg.), steals (1.5 spg.), and blocks (1.5 bpg.) and is second in scoring with a 7.9 ppg. average.

PLAYING SMART: After 23 games in 2003-04, senior Courtney Mix is putting up staggering numbers in the assist to turnover category. For the year, Mix has tallied 105 assists and just 18 turnovers for an incredible 5.8:1 assist to turnover ratio. In the latest Big East statistics, the next closest person to Mix in this category is West Virginia's Yolanda Paige who has a ratio of 2.5:1.

AMONG THE LEADERS: In the Big East Conference statistical report released on Friday, Feb. 21, Villanova senior Courtney Mix ranks in the top 10 in five different categories. In addition to leading the league in assist to turnover ratio (5.8:1), Mix is second in defensive rebounds (5.6 per game), third in blocked shots (1.5 per game), fourth in assists (4.5 per game) and eighth in overall rebounding (7.4 per game).

A GOOD MIX: Senior Courtney Mix will finish her Main Line career as one of the top all-around players in Villanova history. Entering play versus St. John's on Saturday, Feb. 21, Mix has played in 119 consecutive games and has 1,023 career points, a career 6.9 rebounds per game average, a career 3.6 assists per game average and a career assist to turnover ratio of 3.6:1. In addition, Mix has helped Villanova to a four-year record of 88-31 (.737), including three 20-win seasons, three-straight NCAA Tournament appearances, a trip to the Elite Eight and a Big East championship.

HISTORY LESSON: Senior guard Courtney Mix is on pace to leave Villanova ranking in the top 10 in a number of career categories. Entering play against St. John's on Saturday, Feb. 21, Mix ranks high on a number of the Villanova career lists. She currently ranks fourth all-time in rebounding with 830 and needs 25 more rebounds to surpass Lisa Angelotti (854 career rebounds) and move into third place on the all-time list. In addition to her rebounding totals, Mix currently rates sixth on the all-time assist list with 433. She also has 1,023 career points which ranks 17th.

CONFERENCE ACCOLADES: The multi-dimensional Courtney Mix was named second team preseason All-Big East Conference by a vote of the league head coaches. Last season as a junior, she earned Big East Conference Honorable Mention distinction.

THE MAGIC 60: When Villanova scores 60 or more points in a game, its chances for success are pretty good. After 23 games this season, the Wildcats are 14-0 when scoring 60 or more points. Last season, Villanova was a perfect 19-0 when tallying 60 or more points.

LIMITING MISTAKES: Villanova currently leads the country in fewest turnovers per game at 9.1 per contest (210 in 23 games). In the latest NCAA stats released on Feb. 2, the next closest team to the Wildcats is Montana with an average of 12.1 turnovers per contest. The team's worst turnover performance of the year came on Wednesday, Jan. 7 versus Miami with a season-high 16 turnovers. In a 70-40 win over Columbia on Dec. 30, Villanova committed a season-low three turnovers. The 'Cats have had 13 single digit turnover games this year, including last Tuesday's win over West Virginia when the Wildcats were charged with four turnovers.

MARKED IMPROVEMENT: The most improved player on the 2003-04 Villanova roster is junior forward Jennifer Hilgenberg. Last year, Hilgenberg had one double figure scoring game, while she already has eight double figure scoring efforts this season. She began her improvement in last year's NCAA Tournament when she went 11-of-21 from the field in Villanova's four NCAA Tournament games, including a then career-high 14 points versus George Washington. Hilgenberg is currently third on the team in scoring with a 7.6 points per game average. Below is a comparison of Hilgenberg's stats from last year to this season.

2002-03 (33 games)
2.3 ppg.	31.1% FG (33-of-106)	20.0% 3-PT (3-of-15)
2003-04 (20 games)
7.6 ppg.	42.0% FG (66-of-157)	40.7% 3-PT (24-of-59)

STREAK SNAPPED: After missing her first two free throw attempts of the season versus Valparaiso on Nov 16, junior forward Jennifer Hilgenberg made 19 consecutive charity stripe attempts before missing her final free throw attempt of the game last Tuesday versus West Virginia. In the win over West Virginia, Hilgenberg was 5-of-6 from the foul line. For the year, she is 19-of-22 (86.4%) from the foul line.

YOUNG GUNS: Of the 14 players on the 2003-04 Villanova roster, nine are either freshmen or sophomores. The lone seniors on this year's squad are co-captains Kelly Nash and Courtney Mix. The nine freshmen and sophomores have combined to score 57.3 percent (811 of 1,415) of Villanova's points this season.

TEAMWORK: One of the trademarks of Harry Perretta coached Villanova teams is the unselfish manner in which his teams play. The 2003-04 Wildcats look to be no exception. After 23 games, Villanova has been credited with an assist on 343 of its 522 field goals for 65.7 percent. In Tuesday's win over West Virginia, the Wildcats had an assist on 15 of their 21 field goals.

DIAL LONG DISTANCE: Villanova enters play versus St. John's on Saturday, Feb. 21 having made at least one three-point field goal in 202 of its last 203 games. Villanova's streak of making at least one three-point field goal in 191 consecutive games was snapped at Boston College on Jan. 3 when the 'Cats were 0-for-10 from behind the arc.

VILLANOVA PICKED SEVENTH: In the 2003-04 Big East Conference preseason coaches poll, Villanova was chosen to finish seventh in the 14-member Big East Conference. The following is the coaches' order of finish.

1. Connecticut (13)			169
2. Rutgers (1)			156
3. Notre Dame			139
4. Virginia Tech			124
5. Boston College			120
6. Miami				115
7. VILLANOVA			103
8. West Virginia			80
9. Georgetown			66
10. Seton Hall			65
11. Syracuse			61
12. Pittsburgh			30
13. St. John's			28
14. Providence			18

BIG SHOES TO FILL: You would be hard-pressed to find a team who was hit harder by graduation than the 2003-04 Villanova women's basketball team, as the Wildcats lost three four-year starters from last season's 28-6 squad. The 2003 senior class of Nicole Druckenmiller, Katie Davis and Trish Juhline combined to start 323 of a possible 364 games and helped Villanova to an 85-41 overall record (.674) and a 42-22 Big East Conference mark. The trio also played a big part in the Wildcats tallying three consecutive 20-win seasons and three-straight NCAA Tournament appearances where they advanced to the Elite Eight in 2003. All together, the three combined to score 3,593 career points and connect on 669 three-point field goals. Juhline is currently on the coaching staff at Drexel University, while Davis is playing professionally in Luxembourg and Druckenmiller is working in Florida.

PHILADELPHIA BRAGGING RIGHTS: By virtue of its 66-57 win at Temple on Dec. 19, Villanova finished Philadelphia Big Five play with a 4-0 record to give the Wildcats a second-straight City Series title. Villanova also won last year's Big Five championship with a 4-0 mark. This year's championship was Villanova's 10th Big Five title in the program's history (six outright/four shared) Villanova's four Big Five wins this year came against Penn (57-40), at La Salle (51-48), Saint Joseph's (72-68) and at Temple (66-57). Since beginning Philadelphia Big Five play in 1979, Villanova has compiled a 74-25 all-time record in City Series play for a .747 winning percentage.

PHILLY'S FINEST: Entering play versus St. John's on Saturday, Feb. 21, Villanova head coach Harry Perretta has 483 career wins to his credit. The 483 victories are the most wins in the history of Philadelphia Big Five basketball for both men and women. Current Temple men's coach John Chaney is second with 479 wins. Former Villanova men's mentor Al Severance is third on the list with 417 victories, followed by former Temple men's coach Harry Litwack with 373 and former Villanova men's coach Rollie Massimino with 357.