Saturday, January 20, 2007

Longhorns, Wildcats Have Impact Freshmen

Villanova 76 Texas 69 - Since Villanova coach Jay Wright instructed Scott Reynolds to shoot more, the freshman has responded with a couple of brilliant performances, the latest a 26-point performance which led the Wildcats to an important home win over #21 Texas.

Earlier in the week, Reynolds poured in 27 as the Wildcats shot down #20 Notre Dame, 102-87.

With all the hype surrounding Texas freshmen Kevin Durant, Reynolds and Texas point guard D. J. Augustin proved to be the underclassmen of the day. Following his 37-point explosion in a triple-overtime loss at Oklahoma State on Tuesday, Durant scored only 12 and was limited to a single point in the second half. Augustin topped the Texas scoring chart with 25, but it was not enough as Reynolds shot 6-14, including 2 treys and deposited 12 of 13 free throws. The Wildcats were without leading scorer Curtis Sumpter, who sat out with a leg bruise but is expected back soon.

Villanova is unranked and has a 2-3 record in Big East play, but if Reynolds continues his torrid scoring, the youthful Wildcats may be trouble come March. Texas has already proven that they can hang in with anyone.

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