Hurricanes Conquer Villanova 59-56
March 2, 2004
By DAN GELSTON
AP Sports Writer
VILLANOVA, Pa. (AP) – Darius Rice scored 20 points, helping Miami snap a10-game losing streak in a 59-56 win over Villanova on Tuesday night.
Gary Hamilton and Armondo Surratt added 10 points for the Hurricanes (14-15,4-11 Big East).
Allan Ray scored 27 points and Mike Nardi had 14 for the Wildcats (14-14,6-9), who have lost four in a row and are in danger of missing out on an NITbid. Villanova, which lost in overtime to Connecticut last week, finishes theseason Saturday at No. 6 Pittsburgh.
The Hurricanes went ahead for good with 2:23 left, taking a 57-54 lead onSurratt’s 3-pointer. Rice, who scored 17 points in the second half, then addeda jumper for a 59-54 lead.
Ray sank a couple of free throws, but the Wildcats couldn’t do anything elseoff a couple of Miami turnovers in the final minute.
Villanova took an early lead after hitting three straight 3-pointers, onefrom Nardi and two each by Ray, taking an eight-point lead into halftime beforeMiami began chipping away.
The Hurricanes scored the first seven points of the second half to pullwithin one, then Ray hit a 3-pointer. Rice made it 43-41 after a 3, but DerrickSnowden followed with a basket. Rice got Miami within one again with another 3,only to have Nardi answer with one on the other end.
Miami finally took a 52-51 lead when Rice hit a jumper with 4:28 to go.Villanova tied it at 54, then Surratt hit the winner. The Hurricanes shot 58percent from the field in the second half.
Villanova had 18 turnovers, wiping out a solid 47 percent shooting effortfrom the floor.
Villanova seniors Andreas Bloch, Tom Grace and Derrick Snowden were honoredbefore the game.
