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Towson (3-1) Vs. (20) Villanova (4-0)
GAME NOTES: The 20th-ranked Villanova Wildcats put their unblemished record on the line tonight, as they tangle with the Towson Tigers as part of the Philly Hoop Group Classic at The Palestra.
The Wildcats have come roaring out of the gates, capturing double-digit wins in each of their four outings. Each of the team's victories have come at home, including a 71-48 triumph over Monmouth on Tuesday. That win, along with a 77-62 besting of Niagara on November 19th were part of this event that is set to conclude on Saturday.
As for Towson, it too has enjoyed a solid start to the year, posting a 3-1 ledger. The team was last in action on Monday, when it downed NJIT by a 61-48 score. It was the second straight victory and the first in this event for the Tigers, whose lone loss came at Niagara (79-62) as part of the classic.
Towson and Villanova have met three times previously on the hardwood, with the Wildcats winning each of those encounters.
The Tigers forced 20 turnovers and held NJIT to a sub par 34.5 percent shooting effort from the floor, as they notched a 61-48 win on Monday. Towson had most of its success at the foul line, where it hit on 22-of-28 attempts. Junior Hairston, making his season debut, and Calvin Lee, each tallied 13 points, while Jarrel Smith had 10 points and five boards in the victory. On the season Smith paces the squad in scoring with 15.0 ppg and he is also collecting 6.5 rpg. Troy Franklin adds 12.5 ppg to the mix, while Josh Thornton contributes 11.0 ppg. Overall, Towson is averaging 72.8 ppg behind 40.3 percent shooting from the field.
The Wildcats dominated the boards, 41-23, including a 14-3 advantage on the offensive glass, as they coasted past Monmouth on Tuesday. Villanova knocked down 44.1 percent of its field goals and even went 8-of-20 from beyond the arc in the game. Dante Cunningham led the charge with 19 points and seven rebounds, while Corey Stokes logged 18 points and seven boards. After four games, Cunningham leads the Wildcats in both scoring (18.5 ppg) and rebounding (6.8 rpg) and he is also shooting 63.0 percent from the floor. Stokes follows with 14.0 ppg and he has made 12-of-22 three-pointers. Scottie Reynolds puts forth 13.0 ppg and Corey Fisher chips in with 11.5 ppg and the duo are combining for 9.3 apg. As a team, the Wildcats are outscoring their foes by 23.8 ppg, in addition to outrebounding them by 10.0 rpg.
Villanova is simply the more talented team here and should be able to control both ends of the floor for the victory tonight.
Predicted OutcomeVillanova 75, Towson 55Copyright 2008 Courtesy of The Sports Network.
