Nov. 7, 2002

Villanova, Pa. - The Villanova women's basketball season is off and running following the Wildcats victory over the Houston Jaguars, an exhibition team composed of former college and current WNBA players. The Wildcats looked impressive in their first contest of the year as they won by the final score of 62-54.

The game was slow in the early going with both teams playing tough defense. Neither the 'Cats nor the Jaguars could hold on to a lead as they traded baskets the entire first half. Villanova was out rebounded by five and shot only 33 percent in the first half where they headed to the locker room clinging to a one point lead, 25-24. Katie Davis paced the 'Cats in the half with seven points on 3-6 shooting and finished with a team high 10 points.

The second half began much as the first had ended, with both squads playing tough defense and the offenses failing to pull away. Houston tried to press the 'Cats and that was the opening they needed. Courtney Mix played with tremendous poise and handled the Jaguars pressure with ease, as the Wildcats pulled away as far as 62-46 before Houston desperately climbed back in the last minutes.

Mix finished the game with only four points, but she added 10 rebounds, six assists and two blocks without committing a turnover. Nicole Druckenmiller also had a solid offensive game with 10 points of her own, while sharpshooter Trish Juhline added nine points and eight rebounds on 3-6 from behind the arc.

The win will not affect Villanova's record, however the loss drops Houston's exhibition record to 2-1 following victories over Temple and Rutgers. Next up for the 'Cats is St. Joseph in a Big Five match-up on November 22 on Hawk Hill as the official season gets underway.