Wildcats use long-range plan
BOSTON — Villanova’s 3-point party rolled past the pressure of West Virginia to bring the Wildcats to the doorstep of another Final Four two seasons after winning a national championship.
Top-seeded Villanova continued its outside feast, downing the fifth-seeded Mountaineers 90-78 on Friday night to earn their second trip to the Elite Eight in three seasons.
“What a game, man,” Villanova coach Jay Wright said. “I hope that looked as good as it did from the bench.
“That was the most physically demanding, mentally draining 40 minutes we’ve played in a long time. They are so relentless.”
Jalen Brunson led the Wildcats with 27 points and Omari Spellman added 18 plus eight rebounds as Villanova overcame the West Virginia press and 16 turnovers by hitting 13 of 24 shots from 3-point range. The Wildcats (33-4) have now made 47 3pointers in the tournament.
Jevon Carter and Sagaba Konate each scored 12 points to lead the Mountaineers (26-11). Carter encountered foul trouble early in the second half, as did fellow starter Dexter Miles.
Villanova’s plan for the Sweet 16 team nicknamed “Press Virginia” was to attack the stifling defense head-on. The Wildcats struggled at times, especially in the first half, but they were able to dig out of a six-point hole in the second half with an 11-0 run.
The Mountaineers stayed close throughout the night, ramping up the pressure and making Villanova play faster than it wanted to early. West Virginia led 60-54 with just over 11 minutes left, but the Wildcats scored 11 unanswered points to move in front for good.