Villanova 77 – North Carolina 74
This one made up for the two horrible national semi-final games.
Just wow.
This one had everything you’d want in a game and left you almost wanting to see five more minutes. Marcus Paige’s three tied it at 74 all with 4.7 seconds. Timeout, Villanova. Then a beautiful play where senior Ryan Arcidiacono set up Kris Jenkins at the right elbow for a wide open look and the game winning finish.
Villanova led by ten points with six minutes left, but North Carolina fought back and tied it on the Paige double pump three point jumper with 4.7 seconds left.
With the win, Villanova claims its second national championship.
No fluke. Villanova made a run which included beating Miami, Kansas, Oklahoma, and North Carolina. North Carolina, Kansas, and OU were all ranked No. 1 at various times this season.
Sophmore sub Phil Booth led the winning Wildcats with 20 points. Senior Ryan Arcidiacono finished with 16 points and was named the tournament’s MVP.
This marks the first national championship for Villanova head coach Jay Wright.
Deserving champion. Great tournament run.
Fantastic game winning finish.