The News
Saturday 20 of April 2024

Villanova Defeats Oklahoma to go to Championship Game


Villanova guard Mikal Bridges (25) shoots against Oklahoma during the second half of the NCAA Final Four tournament
Villanova guard Mikal Bridges (25) shoots against Oklahoma during the second half of the NCAA Final Four tournament
Villanova will face the winner of the North Carolina-Syracuse game on Monday

HOUSTON – Josh Hart scored 23 points on 10-of-12 shooting and Villanova advanced to the national championship game with a resounding 95-51 victory over Oklahoma on Saturday night.

Villanova head coach Jay Wright and Oklahoma head coach Lon Kruger shake hands as Vice President Joe Biden and his wife Jill Biden watch after the NCAA Final Four tournament college basketball semifinal game Saturday, April 2, 2016, in Houston. Villanova won 95-51. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
Story: AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall.

The Wildcats (34-5) will face the winner of the North Carolina-Syracuse game for the title on Monday night.

This was the biggest Final Four semifinal win ever, eclipsing the 34-point wins by Cincinnati over Oregon State in 1962 and Michigan State over Penn in 1979.

Villanova dominated the Sooners (29-8) after an opening 7 minutes that had the teams trading the lead on almost every possession.

The Wildcats broke it open with a 21-4 run. The stats about NRG Stadium being a horrible place to shoot went out the window along with the Sooners’ chances at playing for their first national championship.

The Wildcats, with Hart going 7 for 8, shot 66.7 percent in the first half, including 6 of 11 from 3-point range in taking a 42-28 halftime lead.