Villanova

Saturday's later Final Four game matches the champions of the South Regional, #1 North Carolina (32-4, 13-3) against the East champions, #3 Villanova (30-7, 13-5).

Season Rewind: North Carolina came in to the season as the undisputed #1 team. While the Heels dropped from that perch after a tough week in early January, they've gone 18-2 over its last 20 games. The Tar Heels have been especially strong in the tournament, winning every game they've played by double digits, including a 21-point beat-down of Gonzaga and a comfortable 12-point win over Oklahoma.

#1 North Carolina

#3 Villanova

The Big East, in the final months of commissioner Mike Tranghese’s tenure, went into Saturday guaranteed at least one spot in the Final Four with Pittsburgh and Villanova meeting in Boston. But how those two fought for the East Regional title is something that will be remembered for a long time to come, with the Wildcats winning on a Scottie Reynolds shot with 0.5 seconds remaining. A Levance Fields heave from about seventy feet was online but long, sealing the 78-76 win and the Wildcats’ first Final Four since 1985.

Five Big East teams made their way into the second weekend of the NCAA Tournament, and so far five remain. A trio of teams from the nation’s best conference won tonight, guaranteeing the conference of at least one Final Four team as a retirement present for commissioner Mike Tranghese. The dominant question: how would Connecticut deal with the off-court distractions in facing Purdue? Point blank, the outside issues didn’t matter, with the Huskies controlling the game from start to finish in a 72-60 victory.

So many games, so little time. CollegeHoops.net helps you out by cutting to the core of each Tournament game. Click on team names for stats, results, and more. "Matchup" links include helpful injury news, betting tips and information.

 

Raphielle Johnson is live at the Big East Tournament all week. Check back in throughout the week for his updates.

The Game: #6 Syracuse 127, #3 UCONN 117 (6 OT)

Connecticut

Louisville

Marquette

Pittsburgh

Syracuse

Villanova

West Virginia

Other (Cincy, Georgetown, Notre Dame, Providence)

Really Other (DePaul, Rutgers, Seton Hall, St. John's, USF)