INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. (KYW Newsradio) — Despite some predictions of an early exit, the Villanova Wildcats are off to the second round of the NCAA Tournament.
The fifth-seeded Wildcats put together an impressive performance Friday night as they got past Winthrop, 73-63.
Villanova was up by one at the half, then pulled away over the final 20 minutes. The Wildcats took care of the basketball as they turned the ball over only six times.
Jeremiah Robinson-Earl couldn't play in the tournament last year when it was canceled due to the pandemic, but the sophomore made up for lost time. He led the way with a game-high 22 points and 12 rebounds.
Justin Moore was impressive in his second game back since an ankle injury, finishing with 15 points.
Instead of facing fourth-seeded Perdue, Villanova will battle North Texas on Sunday thanks to its upset win over the Boilermakers. The winner will advance to the Sweet 16.