SYORRS, Conn., Dec. 6 (UPI) -- Freshman Charlie Villanueva scored 16 points in his debut Saturday as No. 4 Connecticut had no trouble with Army in a 74-46 rout.
A 6-11 forward from Brooklyn, N.Y., Villanueva was held out of the first six games by Connecticut (6-1) due to questions surrounding his eligibility. The McDonald's All-American declared for the NBA Draft before pulling out, but one of his workouts in front of pro scouts raised a red flag and he finally was cleared Friday.
The Huskies scored the first 14 points. Villanueva entered 5 1/2 minutes into the game and made a short shot in the lane.
On the next possession, Villanueva blocked a layup attempt by Joey Payton before Army (3-4) finally scored more than eight minutes into the contest. Villanueva answered with a 3-pointer with 11:42 to go for a 19-2 cushion.
