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Reynolds, Villanova hold off Bucknell

Nov 19, 2007 - 2:32 AM VILLANOVA, Pennsylvania (Ticker) -- Villanova used a balance scoring attack to overcome an early 3-point barrage.

Shane Clark led four players in double figures with 17 points and 12 rebounds as the 23rd-ranked Wildcats came back to defeat Bucknell, 70-64, on Sunday.

The reigning Big East Rookie of the Year, Scottie Reynolds made the go-ahead 3-pointer with 3:29 to play, giving Villanova the lead for good at 60-57.

"Our guys beat a very good basketball team," Villanova coach Jay Wright said. "We're not going to get any teams that execute that well. Close, but that's a good win for us."

Villanova (2-0) survived the hot-shooting of Bucknell as the first five baskets the Bison made were 3-pointers. Bucknell hit nine 3-pointers in the first half and finished the game shooting 15-of-31 from the arc.

"Obviously, I can't say anything but good things about our kids," Bucknell coach Pat Flannery said. "They fought and I think both teams are going to be awfully fun to watch as the season goes along. I hope you were able to enjoy a good college basketball game tonight."

Reynolds finished with 15 points and Dante Cunningham had 12 for the Wildcats, who trailed by as many as nine in the second half.

Bucknell (2-1) have lost seven straight to the Wildcats and Wright improved to 4-0 all-time against his alma mater.

The Bison ended the opening period on a 10-2 run to take a 35-27 lead at the break.

"I don't think anyone here is surprised," Wright said. "I don't think anyone who saw the halftime score was surprised. They do that to everybody. They (Bucknell) are just that good.

"We got everything that we could handle tonight."

Villanova went on an 11-3 run after intermission to tie the game less than five minutes into the second half.

The Wildcats went on an 8-0 run to take a 51-48 lead, but Patrick Behan sank a 3-pointer for Bucknell to tie the game with under eight minutes to play.

John Griffin scored 17 of his career-high 22 points in the first half to lead Bucknell.

However, the senior Griffin was only 1-of-3 shooting in the second half due to the defense of Villanova guard Reggie Redding.

"Coach Wright told me at halftime, Reggie, we are going to put you on Griffin, and my eyes lit up," Redding said. "I said, 'Let's go Coach, I'm ready.' Griffin is a good player. You can't leave him. I just tried to stay close to him and make him take a tough shot."