FRIARS OUTSCORED AT HOME IN LOSS TO 'NOVA

February 5, 2009


This one was not looking like it was going to come down to the wire, but Villanova Escapes Providence With a Win (Philadelphia Daily News) after PC's Furious Rally Falls Just Short Against Villanova (Providence Journal), 94-91.

Villanova seemed in control of this one throughout, leading 49-34 at the half and stretched it to as much as 20 in the second half before Providence began to rally. The Friars cut the lead to just a point, 92-91, on a Weyinmi Efejuku three-pointer with two second left. However, the Wildcats were able to get the ball into the hands of Scottie Reynolds who sunk two free throws and PC did not get off a final shot before the buzzer.

The Cats Hang on to Post a Victory Over Providence (Philadelphia Inquirer) with the junior Reynolds scoring 31, making 13 of 15 from the foul line. Senior Dwayne Anderson added 19 points and 10 rebounds and Dante Cunningham and Reggie Redding each provided 12 points and 11 rebounds as 'Nova won the battle of the boards, 50-38.

This is one that will hurt PC, a team in need of resume building wins if they are going to make a case for the NCAA Tournament. Home Wasn't Sweet for the Friars on this Night (Providence Journal) and protecting your home court is rule #1 in building your NCAA resume.

Sharaud Curry and Weyinmi Efejuku spear-headed the late rally with three's and attacking the basket. Curry finished with 25 and Efejuku scored 21 of his 23 in the second half. Jeff Xavier scored 22.

The Friars have allowed 94 points defensively in each of their last three games, losing two. In the game before that, SHU scored 93 in the PC overtime victory (98-93).

PC now hits the road for dates at West Virginia and South Florida in hopes of improving their 6-4 conference record.