Weather | Sports | Forums | Comics | Classifieds | Calendar | Movies
© St. Petersburg Times, published February 6, 2002
VILLANOVA, Pa. -- James Jones scored 16, including the first 11, and John Salmons had his 13 points in the second half, leading No.12 Miami to a 65-56 victory over Villanova on Tuesday.
"It seems every time I come here, the first half is bad," said Salmons, who went to nearby Plymouth Whitemarsh High and needed 24 tickets for the game. "It's like a family affair."
Miami has won six of seven since losing two straight a month ago.
The Wildcats have lost four of five, including a 76-58 loss in Miami last month. It was their second straight loss to a ranked opponent, and they play No.15 UCLA on Saturday.
After the Wildcats scored five in a row to get within 52-51 with 4:02 left, Salmons hit two free throws, Elton Tyler made a layup and Salmons iced it with two more free throws that made it 58-51 with 1:05 left.
The Hurricanes outscored Villanova 19-3 to close the first half, taking a 32-20 lead.
Villanova went on a 12-2 run to start the second half, closing within 34-32 on a 3-pointer by Snowden.
"I would've hoped that by this point, we'd be ready to beat teams like this, but we're not," Villanova coach Jay Wright said. I'm very impressed with their team and their poise.
"They're outstanding on defense, very disciplined and well-coached."