Jamaica, N.Y.  Despite a strong first half of play, the St. Johns womens basketball team fell to Villanova, 61-45, this afternoon at Alumni Hall. The Wildcats (8-4) improve to 2-0 in BIG EAST play, while the Red Storm (3-11) drop to 0-3.

The Red Storm came out strong in the first half, holding the Wildcats to just four points in the first seven minutes of play. A layup by senior Rasheedah Brown (Newark, N.J.) gave St. Johns a 13-4 lead at the 12:58 mark. The Wildcats would then make their move, knocking down three shots from three-point range, to pull within two (18-16). Villanova took its first lead of the game at 4:26 behind two free throws from Courtney Mix. SJUs R. Brown hit a three and Villanovas Jean Johnson connected on a jumper to put the score at 23-24 with 1:03 left in the half. The Red Storm scored back-to-back baskets to give them a three-point halftime lead.

The second half would be a different story for the Red Storm. The Wildcats started the half with a 14-1 run. SJU was unable to connect on a field goal until the 13:02 mark, when junior Creasie Fowler (Milwaukee, Wis.) pulled her team to within 11. The Red Storm would not get any closer. Back-to-back threes by Villanovas Katie Davis would put the Wildcats ahead by 19 (37-56) and shut the door for the Red Storm at the 7:37 mark. Villanova took the game, 61-45.

In the first 20 minutes of play, the Red Storm posted a 47.8 shooting percentage, connecting on 11-of-23 from the field. SJUs defense, led by senior Kenwayna Hudgens (Washington, D.C.) played tough in the first half too, holding Villanova to a 7-of-27 effort and forcing seven turnovers. However, in the second half, the Red Storm would shoot just 28.6 percent, recording six field goals to Villanovas 14.

R. Brown led the Red Storm in scoring with 13 points, while also adding a team-high seven rebounds and a game-high six assists. Sophomore Nora Gyuris (Pecs, Hungary), junior Amanda Rawson (Palos Park, Ill.) and Fowler each added six points to the Red Storm effort.

Villanova had three players put up double figure points and as a team dished out 16 assists, put up five blocks and grabbed eight steals. Courtney Mix had a game-high 15 points and nine rebounds.

The Red Storm return to action Wednesday, January 9th at 7:30pm when they host No. 1 Connecticut (16-0, 2-0) at Alumni Hall.