COLLEGE BASKETBALL

VILLANOVA DOWNS TOP-RANKED UCONN Villanova used the 3 to beat no. 1.The fourth-ranked Wildcats went 7-for-9 from 3-point range in the second half and beat no. 1 Connecticut 69-64 last night, their first win over a top-ranked team in 10 years.

Allan Ray had five 3-pointers in the 22-4 run that gaveVillanova (20-2, 10-1 Big East) the lead for good in its ninth straight victory. The Wildcats, who forced the Huskies into 17 turnovers, also got a boost from an unexpected source on offense. Villanova’s four guards account for 79% of the team’s points, but center Will Sheridan matched his career high with 13 points and grabbed 10 rebounds as the Wildcats stood up to Connecticut’s size advantage. Rudy Gay had 19 points and 10 rebounds for the Huskies (22-2, 9-2) who had an 11-game winning streak snapped and dropped to 7-1 against ranked teams this season.

BUCKNELL JOINS TOP 25 Bucknell, the Patriot League school that has beaten some of the country’s premier programs the last two seasons, joined the Associated Press’s Top 25 for the first time yesterday.

The Bison have won 11 straight since losing two straight on the road to Santa Clara and then-no. 1 Duke. They moved into the poll at no.24,two spots below another newcomer used to being among the ranked: Kansas. Connecticut was a runaway no. 1 for the fourth straight week and the next five teams held their positions.

SUTTON DONE FOR SEASON AFTER DUI ARREST Eddie Sutton may have coached his last game, a 35-year career possibly ending six victories short of 800 because of a traffic accident in which he was injured and cited for driving under the influence. Oklahoma State announced yesterday that Sutton, 69, would take a medical leave and that Sean Sutton, his son and designated heir apparent, will finish this season as coach. Eddie Sutton spent the night in the hospital with a head injury following Friday’s accident in Stillwater.

– Associated Press