FAIRFIELD, Conn. – For the first time since 1997, the Fairfield University Women's Basketball will host a nationally-ranked opponent on the George Bisacca Court at Alumni Hall when unbeaten #20/22 Villanova comes to campus on Wednesday at 7pm. The Wildcats are one of 15 unbeaten teams still remaining in the country. All the action tips off at 7pm on Facebook Live.
The game will also serve as the program's Toy Drive as all fans who donate a new, unwrapped toy can purchase an adult general admission ticket for only $5. Also the first 300 fans in attendance will receive a Lucas the Stag Holiday Ornament.
The Stags are fresh off a victory over a major conference as they upset ACC member Boston College 66-58, their first win in Chestnut Hill since 2000. The game was perhaps the Stags played on both sides of the ball as they limited themselves to a season-low six turnovers.
Kendra Landy was at the forefront of the passing attack as she recorded her first career double-double with a personal-best 10 assists.
The Eagles went on an 8-0 run in the fourth quarter to tie the score at 50-50 before
Samantha Cooper hit three-straight 3-pointers to give the Stags a lead they would not relinquish. Those long range shots were part of a career-high six for Cooper.
Her efforts were not unnoticed around the country, as Cooper was named the National Jesuit Player of the Week and the Met Writers Player of the Week. For the week, Cooper averaged 24 points per game and shot 57 from behind the arc while picking up a double-double at Boston College.
Her 48 combined points brought Cooper closer to history as she is now just 24 points away from becoming the program's 31st 1,000 point scorer.
Villanova enters the contest ranked 22nd in the country in the Associated Press (AP) Poll and 20th in the USA Today/Coaches Poll. The Wildcats are one of 15 unbeaten teams remaining in the country. Among their seven wins includes a 10-point victory over then #11 Duke.
Villanova has achieved their 7-0 overall record with one of the nation's most stout defenses that allow just 52.9 points per game, the third lowest mark in the country. Opponents have connected on just 23 of their 110 chances from behind the arc, which also ranks as the third best number in the nation. Only one team has reached 60 points against the Wildcats (American) and only one squad has recorded better than a .300 percentage from long range (James Madison).
The Stags are on the road for their next three games, starting with a road contest at Rhode Island on Monday at 7pm.
