The Big East tournament has a new champion, and it’s the same as the regular season winner. The top-seeded Villanova Wildcats defeated No. 6 Creighton 74-60 in Madison Square Garden on Saturday night. With the victory, the Wildcats avenged last season’s Big East title game loss to Seton Hall.
Villanova wins 2017 Big East basketball championship
The Wildcats get their third conference title in school history.
Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports
Villanova was in control throughout Saturday’s game, getting to halftime holding a 36-22 lead. That held in the second half, as the Wildcats’ offense scored 38 points, and the defense was able to hold Creighton to the same amount.
Nova’s scoring effort was led by senior guard Josh Hart, who had 29 points on the night, and added six rebounds.
The next question for Villanova now will come Sunday, with the field of 68 teams and their seeding to be revealed. The Wildcats look primed to earn the No. 1 overall seed, finishing with a 31-3 season record. Villanova will look to repeat as national champion. Since the field expanded in 1985, Florida was the last to do it in 2006 and 2007. Duke completed back-to-back titles in 1991 and 1992.
We’ll see how Selection Sunday shakes out for the Wildcats, but all signs are certainly pointing towards them ending up with the No. 1 overall seed.
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