Wildcats fight to the finish against Rutgers

Joe Groglio

In a week that saw most of the country’s attention fall on the Villanova men’s basketball team, the women certainly held their own against the best. After knocking off Cincinnati last Saturday at the Pavilion for their second win in a row, the Lady ‘Cats battled the powerful Rutgers women to the very end, almost pulling off an upset over the No. 7 ranked Scarlet Knights.

On Saturday, the outcome was never in question, as the ‘Cats roared to a 64-40 victory over a solid Cincinnati team. Jenna Viani was simply unstoppable as she scored 19 points in the first half en route to a game high 24, including six three-pointers. She also added five rebounds and four assists while contributing to the team’s stellar defensive performance. The ‘Cats forced 16 turnovers while turning the ball over only twice, which led to a 25-3 advantage on points off turnovers.

Betsy Mcmanus added 10 points and three assists of her own, and Jackie Adamshick was a force on the boards with eight rebounds.

This win led the Lady ‘Cats to face Rutgers led by All-American Cappy Pondexter, who had scored in double figures 28 games in a row coming into this contest. There would not be a 29th in a row, however, as ‘Nova was able to hold her to only eight points.

Villanova led at the half by two, but great defense and scoring by Matee Ajavon and Essence Carson got Rutgers back into their groove. The ‘Cats held Rutgers without a field goal for the last eight minutes of the game; however, they were able to convert on their free throw attempts to seal the 62-56 victory.

Kate Dessart Mager scored 12 in the loss, while Jackie Adamshick scored a game-high 14. The loss brought the Wildcats to 14-9 overall, but proved that their defense can keep them with anyone in the country. They next travel to Providence to face the Friars, before coming home next week to take on Seton Hall. With more performances like this past week, the ‘Cats are on their way to a successful season.