• Fri. Mar 29th, 2024

New York City, N.Y.- With some fortunate plays mixed with outright skill, the Villanova Wildcats were able to knock off 5th seeded Providence 76-66 to win back-to-back Big East Championships. Villanova was led by the dynamic one-two punch of Jalen Brunson (31 points) and Mikal Bridges (25 points) who was named the Big East Tournament Most Outstanding Player. Alpha Diallo led Providence with 22 and 10 on the night.

The game was everything you could have wanted in a championship game. Emotional, gritty and close to keep fans on the edge of their seat. When each team made a run, the other answered.

Villanova led by 12 for much of the game, but Providence refused to pack their bags early.

Diallo and Kyron Cartwright made huge players for the Friars in the second half, keying their comeback. After climbing back into it, the Friars could have won the game in the last seconds. Tied at 60, Kyron Cartwright, who played extremely well in the second half, missed a jumper to win, sending the game to overtime.

The Wildcats would show their championship DNA once overtime started. Mikal Bridges hit two huge three pointers early in overtime and Jalen Brunson would hit a big shot late to give them a 70-66 lead.

Jay Wright cutting the net after winning the Big East Crown.
Villanova Head Coach. Jay Wright cutting the net after winning the Big East Crown.

From there, Villanova would put the game away at the free throw line, winning their second consecutive conference title.

For Providence, they deserve massive credit for the run they had during this tournament. They played their third overtime game in the past three days, and were right there till the end. While falling short of the Big East crown, they have several things to draw to as they head into the NCAA Tournament.

For Villanova, this victory continues their run of dominance in the new Big East. Winning many games and 3 out of 4 Conference Titles in as many years puts them in high regard.

The character on this team was on full display in this tournament, winning by large margins the first two nights and then grinding out this win over the Friars. They are battle tested and will look to make a huge run in the NCAA Tournament as well.

Congratulations to the 2018 Big East Champions, the Villanova Wildcats!

 

By Vernon McKenzie

Graduate of New Institute Of Technology with a BA in Communications with a focus on Television Radio. Owner and Executive Producer of PureSportsNY

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