Villanova defeats Miami 92-69, advances to Elite Eight
LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WPVI) -- Ryan Arcidiacono and Kris Jenkins each scored 21 points, and No. 2 seed Villanova never trailed in routing third-seeded Miami 92-69 Thursday night in the South Region semifinal of the NCAA Tournament.
"We're going to the Elite Eight baby! That's all I got to say," Brian Stiteler of Conshohocken. "Elite Eight!"
The Wildcats (32-5) are back in the Elite Eight for the first time since 2009, when they reached the Final Four. It's their third trip to the regional final with coach Jay Wright. They turned in quite the offensive performance with former coach Rollie Massimino, who led Villanova to the 1985 national championship, sitting nearby.
"I feel great, this is great," said Mike Lyman of Conshohocken. "We've been waiting for this since '09, maybe '85 actually."
"To get through pass the second round for us has been a big deal since 2009 obviously," said Allen Landis, Villanova grad student.
Villanova will play either top-seeded Kansas or No. 5 seed Maryland on Saturday in the regional final.
"I have Villanova winning in all my brackets," said Brittany Takemori of Conshohocken, adding she thinks they will go all the way.
"Everyone thought we were going to lose to Iowa last round, and they ignored our higher rankings all season, so if we just keep winning eventually the critics got to be quiet right?" said Matt Arnold, Villanova law student.
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The Associated Press contributed to this report.
