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Even through all the odd twists and turns that happened in every round, two No. 1 seeds made it to the Final Four.
For those complaining that not enough top teams advanced in the tournament, this is the game for them.
Villanova used their path to prove that a jump-shooting, three-point slinging squad can hang with anyone — even if the shots aren't falling and they have to play defense. Kansas demonstrated the value of being a program that can bring in young talented players. It also helped that Bill Self put on the coaching performance of a lifetime against Duke.
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Villanova didn't leave much room for doubt in its 16-point national semifinal win over Kansas. Nova used its record-breaking shooting to build an early lead over KU and never looked back. The Wildcats made a Final Four record 18 3-pointers in Saturday's win.
Villanova's Eric Paschall (24 points) was one of six Wildcats to score in double figures. Omari Spellman posted an impressive double-double with 15 points and 13 rebounds. Jalen Brunson (18 points) and Phil Booth (10 points) did a great deal of facilitating Saturday night, both guards finished with six assists. Reserve guard Donte DiVincenzo flirted with a double-double, too, he finished with 15 points and eight rebounds.
KU did not play a bad game by any means, the Jayhawks just could not keep up with Nova's hot shooting. Kansas only committed nine turnovers and shot 45.2 percent from the field. Offensively, KU was led by Devonte' Graham (23 points) and Malik Newman (21 points).
The stage is now set for the National Championsip game: No. 1 Villanova will take on No. 3 Michigan Monday night.
Second half
9:23 — Kansas' Malik Newman hits a short jumper in the lane and the Wildcats cut what was once a 22-point deficit down to 14 at 71-57.
18:58 — Villanova's Eric Paschall hits a 3-pointer as the Wildcats set the record for most made triples in a Final Four game with 14. Villanova leads 54-30.
Halftime
VIllanova leads Kansas 47-32 at the half. The Wildcats have already tied the record for most 3-pointers in a Final Four game, connecting on 13 of 26 attempts from deep. Led by SN Player of the Year Jalen Brunson's 13, five Wildcats have scored six or more points. Big 12 Player of the year Devonte' Graham leads Kansas with 10 points to go along with three rebounds.
Watch ALL 13 of Villanova's record-tying 13 three's in a #FinalFour game...
oh, and this was just the FIRST HALF! #LetsMarchNova pic.twitter.com/cjpSLy3JD9 — NCAA March Madness (@marchmadness) April 1, 2018
First half
10:27 — Kansas isn't going to go away quietly. The Jayhawks have put together put together a 7-0 run but still trail 22-11.
13:06 — Collin Gillespie's 3-pointer gives Villanova a 22-4 lead. Villanova is 6 of 10 from 3-point range.
16:04 —Villanova's Omari Spellman nails another 3-pointer to put his team ahead double digits at 14-4.
17:13 — Villanova opens up on a 9-2 run to start the game. Kansas calls for timeout after Villanova big man Omari Spellman knocks down a 3-pointer from the top of the key.
Kansas (31-7, 13-5) ranked #4 in the final regular season AP Poll.
Villanova (34-4, 14-4) finished #2 in the final regular season AP Poll.
The Wildcats are coached by Jay Wright who is 420-165 in his 17th season at Villanova. Wright is 542-250 in 24 seasons overall, with a previous stop at Hofstra.
The all-time series between Kansas an Villanova is even at 3-3.
Bill Self is 38-13 at Kansas in the NCAA Tournament, and KU is 108-45 all-time in NCAA Tournament games.
For a more in-depth preview of Villanova, click here.
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Rock Chalk!
The Wildcats tie a Final Four record for most made 3-pointers in a game in the first half by knocking down 13 shots from beyond the arc. Villanova would go on to set the record in the second half. (0:25)
SAN ANTONIO -- Villanova tied the Final Four mark for 3-pointers made in a game on Saturday against Kansas -- in the first half -- before breaking the record early in the second frame.
The Wildcats made 13 of 26 3-pointers in the first half, jumping to a 47-32 lead on Kansas. Villanova scored just eight of its points from inside the arc. Seven players made at least one 3-pointer in the first half, with five players hitting multiple 3s.
Eric Paschall hit the record-breaker with 19:00 to play in the second half.
By the end of the Wildcats' 95-79 victory, the team had hit 18 total 3s.
"That was just one of those nights," Villanova coach Jay Wright said. "Man, we made every shot to start the game. ... I feel bad for Kansas. They're a great team. We just made every shot. And that happens sometimes."
UNLV had held the record since 1987, when it made 13 3-pointers against Indiana.
Injured Philadelphia 76ers star and Kansas alum Joel Embiid, who underwent facial surgery earlier Saturday, took to Twitter to share his feelings about the game.
THIS IS BRUTAL.... I'm literally trying to take my mind off this pain but Kansas is not helping #RockChalk — Joel Embiid (@JoelEmbiid) April 1, 2018
Villanova ranks third nationally in 3-pointers made per game, at 11.5, while ranking 19th nationally in 3-point percentage, at 40 percent. The Wildcats, despite making just four 3-pointers against Texas Tech in the Elite Eight last weekend, have made 66 3-pointers in five Final Four games.
"We're just fortunate it happened to us tonight," Wright said. "We shoot them up, and we sleep in the street. Sometimes they go in. Sometimes they don't. This is one of those nights where everything went in."
Villanova will face Michigan in Monday's national championship game.
