Villanova discovered a option to advance within the NCAA Event with out Collin Gillespie
INDIANAPOLIS — Villanova discovered a option to advance within the NCAA Event with out Collin Gillespie.
Jeremiah Robinson-Earl had 22 factors and 12 rebounds, and the fifth-seeded Wildcats pulled away within the second half for a 73-63 victory over Twelfth-seeded Winthrop within the South Area on Friday night time.
Villanova (17-6) had misplaced each video games since senior level guard and Massive East co-player of the 12 months Gillespie tore a ligament in his left knee throughout the Wildcats’ victory over then-No. 14 Creighton on March 3. That made Winthrop, which got here in with only one loss this season, a preferred upset decide.
However Robinson-Earl — who shared Massive East participant of the 12 months honors with Gillespie and Seton Corridor senior ahead Sandro Mamukelashvili in an historic three-way cut up — delivered when the Wildcats wanted him, making 4 free throws that launched a 9-0 run to offer Villanova its largest lead at 60-47. The Wildcats will face Thirteenth-seeded North Texas within the second spherical on Sunday. The Imply Inexperienced upset fourth-seeded Purdue in additional time earlier Friday.
Villanova coach Jay Wright stated he knew Gillespie was watching again house in Philadelphia, and felt lucky his teammates gave him one thing to cheer about.
“The opposite guys are stepping up,” Wright stated. “This can be a good group effort. This can be a very, superb Winthrop group. We’re happy with this victory.”
D.J. Burns Jr. led Winthrop (23-2) with 12 factors. The Eagles, who entered the sport with seven consecutive victories, haven’t received an NCAA Event sport since 2007.
Robinson-Earl additionally had 5 assists and three blocks. Justin Moore added 15 factors, Jermaine Samuels had 11 and Caleb Daniels completed with 10.
Wright puzzled about his group matching up with Massive South Convention champion Winthrop, which prefers a faster tempo than the affected person Wildcats. His considerations appeared comprehensible for a stretch because the Eagles made issues fascinating.
Villanova rolled out to a fast double-digit lead earlier than Winthrop settled in and made it a 34-33 sport at halftime. However the Wildcats returned from the break and locked down on Winthrop defensively, holding the Eagles to twenty-eight% taking pictures from the ground within the second half.
Winthrop edged Villanova 37-35 on the glass, however Robinson-Earl appeared to provide you with the rebounds he wanted on each ends. Muscling his option to the basket additionally created probabilities on the foul line, the place he went 8 of 11.
LATE SHOW AUDIENCE
March Insanity means unusual tipoff instances, and this one began at 10:10 p.m. ET. Neither group appeared affected by the lateness, and their fan bases actually stored issues energetic with surprisingly loud help all through.
STATS AND SUCH
Each groups blocked eight photographs. … Winthrop’s bench outscored Villanova’s 18-15, and the Eagles received the battle within the paint 28-26.
BIG PICTURE
Winthrop: The Eagles dedicated simply 10 turnovers, however they ended up proving expensive as Villanova transformed them into 15 factors. And whereas they performed up-tempo for probably the most half, they struggled to gradual the Wildcats after they went quick.
Villanova: Taken out of their consolation zone for a second, the Wildcats regrouped and performed their sport. Moore’s second sport again since spraining his left ankle was vital as he drained a few 3-pointers, with Daniels, Cole Swinder and Bryan Antoine additionally contributing from deep. Villanova completed 8 of 25 from behind the arc.
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Extra AP faculty basketball protection: https://apnews.com/hub/college-basketball and up to date bracket: https://apnews.com/hub/ncaa-mens-bracket/
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