Villanova Beats Providence in Big East Title Game Thriller
The Villanova Wildcats took down the Providence Friars in a classic Big East Championship matchup in the worlds most famous arena, Madison Square Garden. The Wildcats captured the sixth conference tournament championship in school history and the second consecutive tournament crown by beating the Friars 76-66.
Villanova captures their 6th Big East Conference Titles in School History. Photo ATH
To begin the game Villanova came out hot and opened up an 11-2 lead, led by the inspired play of All Big East selections Mikal Bridges and Jalen Brunson each scoring 12 points. Overall, the team struggled to execute their half court offense and shot 37% from the field. It was their defense that was impressive, holding Friar star Kyron Cartwright to 2 first half points on 1-6 shooting. The game was anything but a cakewalk for Villanova because the Providence Friars came to play. Every run that the Wildcats made was reciprocated by a Friar run. Sophomore Guard Alpha Diallo led Providence with 11 first half points.
I wanted them to be up there and a part of it (Kyle Lowery and other Villanova Alums)…I wanted our young guys to see how much pride they take in them and in following them.
-Jay Wright, Villanova Head Coach
Villanova alum Kyle Lowery and a number of other former players sat behind the Villanova bench. Wildcat coach Jay Wright said “I wanted them to be up there and a part of it…I wanted our young guys to see how much pride they take in them and in following them.”
The second half looked very similar to the first with Villanova coming out the gate strong and not being able to run away with the game as they did during the previous rounds of the Big East Tournament. Brunson hit two three pointers to begin the half and the Friars regrouped and stormed back. Kyron Cartwright came up huge in the second half sinking two critical three pointers that shrunk the Villanova lead to 2. A few moments later, with7:49 in the 2nd half Providence got their first lead of the game 52-51. Villanova quickly regained the lead but the stage was set for a nail bitter as we approached the end of the game.
Villanova Guard Jalen Brunson talks to media after the Championship win vs Providence. Photo ATH
As the end of regulation play approached Kyron Cartwright hit a jumper with 1:38 left that tied the game at 58 and Alpha Diallo scored on a driving layup with 40 seconds left for a 60-58 lead. The crowd roared on each possession making this one of the most exciting games that I have had the pleasure of covering. With ball at the key and 30 seconds left, Big East player of the year Jalen Brunson had the ball and got fouled sending him to the line for a 1-and-1. He sank both free throws to tie the game. Providence missed on a last second attempt at the buzzer and the game was headed to overtime.
Big East Champions!!! Photo ATH
Out the gate Mikal Bridges opened up the extra session with two three pointers that gave Villanova the lead for good. This was the type of game that you never wanted to see come to an end. Jalen Brunson helped put the nail in the coffin on a steal that ended up being a transition slam dunk. The Wildcat fans in the crowd started to celebrate. They converted on these attempts and never looked back. Brunson led all scorers with 31 points and Mikal Bridges had 25. They lead the Villanova Wildcats into the NCAA tournament as a potential#1 seed. The Friars Alpha Diallo led Providence with 22 points and 10 rebounds and Kyron Cartwright scored 19. The Friars are the first team in the Big East Tournament to play three straight overtime games. They are going to need some rest before the NCAA tournament. Salute to both teams. They both fought a good fight and were prepared for a war. I’m looking forward to see how they stack up to the rest of the country.