Villanova, PA (December 30, 2004)- Liad Suez scored 13 of her 18 points in the first half to lead Villanova to a 64-36 victory over Manhattan tonight at the Pavilion in Villanova, PA. The Wildcats held the Lady Jaspers to 16 second-half points and 28.3% shooting from the field for the game. Senior Serra Sangar led the Lady J's with 12 points.
Manhattan (6-4) was held to only one field goal over the first 6:47 of the first half, as Villanova (7-4) jumped out to a 13-2 lead to begin the game. Manhattan responded, however, and cut the gap to 18-11 on a layup by freshman Caitlin Flood. Villanova then scored the next seven points, holding Manhattan scoreless for 4:50 until a three-pointer by freshman Gabrielle Cottrell, who had six points in the first half. Suez then hit a jumper with 1.2 seconds left in the half to give Villanova a 31-20 halftime lead. Applying defensive pressure throughout the first stanza, the Lady Jaspers took three charges and held the Wildcats to 11-30 (36.7%) shooting from the field.
The Lady Jaspers cut the deficit to nine on two occasions early in the second half, getting to within 35-26 with 16:20 remaining, but Villanova went on a pivotal 14-0 run over the next seven minutes to extend its lead to 49-26.
Manhattan returns to the court on January 2, 2005, when they will ring in the New Year against the University of Colorado. Tip-off is slated for 2:00 p.m. (Eastern), 12:00 p.m. (Mountain).