Title rematch a mismatch: Michigan buries Villanova

VILLANOVA, Pa. — Charles Matthews scored 19 points, Ignas Brazdeikis had 18, and No. 18 Michigan beat No. 8 Villanova 73-46 Wednesday in their first meeting since last season’s national championship game.

Villanova captured its second title in three years with a 79-62 victory over Michigan in April but was completely overmatched in the second game at its newly renovated Pavilion.

“I don’t think when I’m out there,” Matthews said, explaining his emotional reaction to a basket less than 90 seconds into the game. “It was a fun, exciting game. I got the dunk and I screamed.”

Eric Paschall scored 10 points and Phil Booth had nine for the Wildcats (2-1). The Wolverines (3-0) jumped ahead early and never let up. They led 10-2 less than five minutes in and expanded the lead to 22-8 on Matthews’ jumper midway through the opening half. Matthews capped the impressive first half with a steal and layup to send Michigan to the locker room with a 44-17 lead.

“I’m very impressed with Michigan,” Villanova coach Jay Wright said. “Really like their team, great togetherness, great execution. It’s my fault I’m running a lot of guys out there. We’re not as organized as we want to be. We’re trying to figure out a lineup early in the season. We didn’t have the cohesiveness to play a good team like that.” Wednesday

1. Duke (3-0) beat Eastern Michigan 84-46. Next: vs. San Diego State, Monday.

2. Kansas (2-0) did not play. Next: vs. Louisiana-lafayette, Friday.

3. Gonzaga (2-0) did not play. Next: vs. Texas A&M, Thursday.

4. Virginia (2-0) did not play. Next: vs.

Coppin State, Friday.

5. Tennessee (3-0) did not play. Next: vs. Louisville, Wednesday, Nov. 21.

6. Nevada (2-0) did not play. Next: vs. Little Rock, Friday.

7. North Carolina (3-0) did not play. Next: vs. Tennessee Tech, Friday.

8. Villanova (2-1) lost to No. 18 Michigan 7346. Next: vs. Furman, Saturday.

9. Auburn (3-0) beat Mississippi College 10352. Next: vs. Xavier, Monday.

10. Kentucky (2-1) beat North Dakota 96-58. Next: vs. VMI, Sunday.

11. Michigan State (2-1) beat Louisiana-monroe 80-59. Next: vs. Tennessee Tech, Sunday.

12. Kansas State (2-0) did not play. Next: vs. Eastern Kentucky, Friday.

13. Oregon (2-0) did not play. Next: vs. Iowa, Thursday.

14. Florida State (2-0) did not play. Next: vs. Canisius, Monday.

15. Syracuse (2-0) did not play. Next: vs. Connecticut, Thursday.

16. Virginia Tech (1-0) did not play. Next: vs. Ball State, Thursday.

17. Mississippi State (2-0) did not play. Next: vs. Long Beach State, Friday.

18. Michigan (3-0) beat No. 8 Villanova 7346. Next: vs. George Washington, Saturday. 19. Clemson (3-0) beat Sam Houston State 74-59. Next: vs. Akron, Monday.

20. UCLA (2-0) did not play. Next: vs. Saint Francis (Pa.), Friday.

21. Texas Christian (2-0) did not play. Next: vs. Fresno State, Thursday.

22. Louisiana State (3-0) did not play. Next: vs. Louisiana Tech, Friday.

23. Purdue (2-0) did not play. Next: vs. Appalachian State, Thursday.

24. Marquette (2-1) lost to Indiana 96-73. Next: vs. Presbyterian, Saturday.

25. Buffalo (3-0) did not play. Next: vs. Dartmouth, Wednesday, Nov. 21.