The first shot of Isaiah Armwood’s college basketball career was a big one.
The freshman hit a go-ahead 3-pointer with 17 seconds left, rallying fifth-ranked Villanova over George Mason 69-68 yesterday in the O’Reilly Auto Parts Puerto Rico Tip-Off in San Juan.
“He was the last one I wanted to take the shot. I’ll be honest,” Villanova coach Jay Wright admitted.
The Wildcats (3-0) trailed the Colonials (2-1) by 13 points in the first half and were behind 68-66 with time ticking down.
Armwood hit his only shot, connecting from the top of the arc. He played just four minutes, coming off the bench after Antonio Pena and Taylor King both fouled out.
“It felt good when it left my hand. It felt even better after the game,” Armwood said.
Dayton 63, Ga. Tech 59
Sophomore guard Paul Williams scored seven of his 13 points in the final minute, including a go-ahead 3-pointer, in No. 18 Dayton’s win in the opening game of the Puerto Rico Tip-Off. Chris Johnson scored 19 points for Dayton (2-0), going 4 for 8 from behind the 3-point line.
Kansas 94, Central Ark. 44
Tyrel Reed hit four 3-pointers for 12 points and No. 1 Kansas (3-0) scored 23 straight points in the first half to overwhelm visiting Central Arkansas.
Ky. 102, S. Houston St. 92
DeMarcus Cousins had 27 points and 18 rebounds to help No. 4 Kentucky (3-0) outlast visiting Sam Houston State (2-1).
Minnesota 76, Utah Valley 51
Freshman Rodney Williams had 17 points, six rebounds and four steals in his first career start, helping No. 24 Minnesota (3-0) pull away from visiting Utah Valley (1-2) in the second half.
S. Florida 65, Davidson 58
Augustus Gilchrist scored 21 points, 19 in the second half, to lead South Florida (3-0) past Davidson (0-2) in the first round of the Charleston Classic.
Notre Dame 82, Long Beach St. 62
Luke Harangody had 29 points and 12 rebounds and Notre Dame (3-0) took control with a 13-2 run to open the second half, beating visiting Long Beach State (2-1).