Nov. 27, 2007

PHILADELPHIA, Pa. - The Thanksgiving weekend was a good one on the hardwood for the Villanova basketball teams, as both the men's and women's programs enjoyed success in holiday tournaments. The On the heels of their successful team performances, men's basketball sophomore Scottie Reynolds (Herndon, Va.) and women's basketball junior Laura Kurz (Lower Gwynedd, Pa.) have each been named the Philadelphia Big Five Player of the Week.

Reynolds averaged over 17 points, three rebounds and four assists per game in the Old Spice Classic for the Wildcats this past weekend. He contributed 19 points to an opening-round win over Central Florida and then led the team with 21 points against George Mason. Villanova advanced to the championship game of the Old Spice Classic before falling in the closing second to North Carolina State. Reynolds was also named to the weekly BIG EAST Honor Roll for his play in the tournament.

Meanwhile, the women's basketball team emerged as champions from the Odwalla Classic at the University of San Francisco. Kurz was named the tournament Most Outstanding Player after scoring 25 points in an overtime victory over the host Dons in the championship game. She poured in 23 of her points after halftime to lead a Villanova comeback for the eventual win. Kurz also registered a double-double with 20 points and 12 rebounds in an opening-game win over South Alabama. Kurz was also named the BIG EAST Player of the Week.

Through the first two weeks of the season, both Villanova basketball teams own a 4-1 record. The women's team is in action on Wednesday night when it hosts Fairfield at 7 p.m. in its home opener. The men's basketball team is idle until hosting Big Five rival Penn on Saturday at 7 p.m. at the Pavilion.