Nova's Tournament Run Ends

Villanova's postseason run ended in the Sweet Sixteen match-up against the Kansas Jayhawks. Kansas' depth and experience appeared to outmatch Villanova's youth as Kansas ran away with a 72-57. Kansas nailed 3s early and Nova was never able to close it to within more than 8 points.

"The 3s hurt us early," Villanova coach Jay Wright said. "When a team that good is making those kind of shots, it is going to be tough. I didn't think we were that bad defensively in the first half, they are just a very good team that is playing very well right now."

The Wildcats reached the sweet 16 for the third time in four years. For the last team to get an at-large bid in the tournament, things are looking up. Villanova loses nobody through graduation, and their young guards will be a year older. I expect Scottie Reynolds to return to Nova after an up and down year. Also, Villanova is still in the running for top recruit Tyreke Evans who plans to decide between Louisville, Memphis, UConn, and Nova. I expect very good things from Villanova next year especially with a healthier front line. I just hope Reggie Redding gets less and less playing time.

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'Nova is Philly's team this tourny

GAME:
#12 Villanova Wildcats @ #1 Kansas Jayhawks
9:40 PM ET
CBS

After a taking the spot light away from both St. Joe's and Temple, Villanova is Philly's only team left standing in the 2008 NCAA tournament. The #12 seed Wildcats knocked off #5 seed Clemson 75-69 and then #13 seed Siena 84-72, the Wildcats will face their toughest opponent of the tournament and year, #1 seed Kansas.

After losing to Georgetown in the Big East tournament, 'Nova won both games of the first week of March Madness.

'Nova is led by sophomore guard Scottie Reynolds, who is averaging 16.0 points a game. Kansas' four leading scorers, Darrell Arthur, Brandon Rush, Mario Chalmers, and Darnell Jackson. The Jayhawks is averaging 81.4 points a game, proving a tough task for the Wildcats. The defense will definitely have to step up.

Unlike 'Nova, 11 seed St. Joe's and 12 seed Temple were both early exits in the tournament. After the hype brought up in the A-10 tournaments and 'Nova's early exit in the Big East, no one would have expected 'Nova to even fair well against #5 seed Clemson, who knocked out Duke in the semis of the ACC tournament.

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How Sweet It Is!

Villanova defeated Siena 84-72 in the second round of the NCAA Tournament to advance to the Sweet Sixteen. The Wildcats, the last team to make the tournament, were lead by Scottie Reynolds and Corey Stokes who scored 25 and 20 respectively. The Cats survived a foul-ridden game where Siena attempted 39 free-throws, thankfully they only made 26.

Villanova jumped out to an early lead and never looked back as Siena only closed to within 10 points during one possession of the second half. Villanova will have to get off to an extremely fast start against Kansas, their next opponent, if they want to hang with the Jayhawks. It is going to be an extremely tough game Friday night in Detroit.

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