The 2017 Battle 4 Atlantis was defined by upsets. With Arizona and Purdue each stumbling to 0-2 starts, the tournament didn’t play out as planned. If that had No. 5 Villanova feeling nervous entering the title game against Northern Iowa, it sure didn’t show.
Villanova wins Battle 4 Atlantis with 64-50 victory over Northern Iowa
The Wildcats have won another November tournament.
Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Ricky O'Donnell has covered basketball at all levels for more than a decade at SB Nation. He’s currently the Associate Director of Programming.
The Wildcats put together a complete game on both ends of the floor on their way to a 64-50 victory to claim the tournament championship.
Villanova was led by the one-two punch of juniors Jalen Brunson and Mikal Bridges. Brunson cemented his reputation as one of the great point guards in the country by finishing with 16 points and four assists in the victory.
Bridges might have been even more impressive. He was active on both ends, using his length to force turnovers and alter shots on defense while finishing inside on offense. Bridges ended the title game with 18 points and seven rebounds.
The Wildcats defeated Western Kentucky and then Tennessee to get to the championship game. Northern Iowa upset SMU in the opening round and then defeated NC State after the Wolfpack pulled the opening round upset on Arizona.
See More:
