Villanova's Winning Streak Ends at 11 Games

Strategic Insights -

The No. 2 Villanova Wildcats, led by guard Randy Foye, suffered a draining loss to the No. 3 Connecticut Huskies by 89-75 in a battle between the Big East's best teams. The loss ended Villanova's 11-game winning streak and was marked by a significant injury to senior guard Allan Ray, who slipped on a wet spot on the court and crumbled to the floor with an injured left knee. Ray will undergo an MRI exam today, and the extent of the injury is still unknown.

Key Takeaways:

  • Villanova's 11-game winning streak came to an end with a 89-75 loss to Connecticut, led by guard Randy Foye's 18 points and five rebounds.
  • Senior guard Allan Ray suffered a left knee injury, slipping on a wet spot on the court and departing for the training room. Ray will undergo an MRI exam today.
  • Connecticut's size and rebounding advantage proved too much for Villanova, with the Huskies scoring 38 points inside and outrebounding the Wildcats 43-38.
  • UConn's Hilton Armstrong led the way with eight of the Huskies' 11 blocked shots and 23 points, while sophomore forward Rudy Gay added 13 points and seven rebounds.
  • The Wildcats were held to 33.8 percent shooting from the field, trying to adjust their shots, while the Huskies connected on 54.5 percent of their attempts.
  • Villanova coach Jay Wright called the injury a strain and expressed confidence in his team's ability to learn from the loss and improve for the remaining games of the regular season.
  • The Big East standings have Connecticut in first place, followed by Villanova, Pittsburgh, and West Virginia.

Statistics:

  • Villanova's winning streak ended at 11 games.
  • The Huskies scored 38 points inside and outrebounded the Wildcats 43-38.
  • Connecticut had 11 blocked shots, led by Hilton Armstrong's eight blocks.
  • Villanova was held to 33.8 percent shooting from the field, while the Huskies connected on 54.5 percent of their attempts.
  • Randy Foye scored 18 points and had five rebounds for the Wildcats.

Sources:

  • "Villanova's Foye ready to put on jersey again after cold sweater day" by Shannon Ryan, Philly Inquirer, February 27, 2006.
  • Big East Standings, Philly Inquirer, February 27, 2006.
  • The Philadelphia Inquirer Copyright 2006.