VILLANOVA, PA 3/19/2014 – The Villanova Wildcats overcame a slow start, but moves on the Women’s National Invitation Tournament defeating the Quinnipiac Bobcats 74 – 66 at The Pavilion. In post-season basketball the idea is to survive and move on. That is what the Blue and White did. The team bought another game, and are looking towards making a run in the tournament much like Drexel did last year.
“I think it (the WNIT) is so partible, that if you approach it right it is a great experience,” said Perretta. If you play well, you can win.”
In the process Villanova senior guard Devon Kane became the 24th player in program history to reach the 1,000 point plateau. She registered a game-high 24 points. For the game the senior shot 7 for 13 from the floor and 8 of 9 from the free throw line while handing out 6 assists.
“It’s awesome,” Kane said about reaching such a level. “I was excited to be at home in front of my family. I’m lucky.”
Five minutes into the second half the game was tied at 42 on a jumper by freshman center Megan Quinn. That basket ignited a 14 – 1 run over the next five minutes to give the Wildcats control of the game. Villanova junior forward Lauren Burford scored 5 of her career-high tying 20 points in that stretch. A layup by Quinnipiac forward Nikoline Ostergaard broke the run at the 10:29 mark making the score 54 – 45. The Bobcats got to within 8 points three different times, but got no closer.
Burford also set a career mark taking down 7 rebounds. Sophomore guard Katherine Coyer led the Wildcats in assists with 6.
Quinnipiac had four players score in double figures led by forward Brittany McQuain with 19 points. Forward Samantha Guastella recorded a double-double with 15 points and 10 rebounds. Guard Gillian Abshire scored 12 points and had 8 assists. Ostergaard contributed 11 points.
Villanova will continue their season as they will host George Washington in a second round game on Sunday. The chance to accomplish something meaningful for the program is in front of the team.
“We were disappointed, our last game was disappointing,” said Kane. “We’ve got to play for this season. We’re good enough to win and keep moving forward.”
Written By: Glenn Papazian
Contact: Glenn@PhillyCollegeSports.com
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