Villanova, under the guidance of Kyle Neptune, clinched a pivotal 71-60 road win against Providence, bolstering their NCAA tournament hopes by likely moving from the 'First 4 Out' to the 'First 4 In'. This victory is part of Villanova's impressive run, having won six of their last seven games, including a sweep of the Friars. Despite their win, both teams face uncertainty in securing tournament spots. Providence, which went 0-2 this week, has accumulated five Q1 wins but struggled recently, notably with Devin Carter injured and the team being significantly outscored in the second half. Villanova's remaining schedule includes critical Quad 1 games against Seton Hall and Creighton, emphasizing the importance of the upcoming period for both teams' tournament aspirations.
.@NovaMBB and @SetonHallMBB now Last Four In, per @ESPNLunardi @PCFriarsmbb and @StJohnsBBall First Four Out Down to the wire for a bunch of Big East teams https://t.co/gBO0Gq7FCa
Huge quad 1 win for Villanova and Kyle Neptune. Hard to keep them out of the field at this moment.
Kim English has done an amazing job with Providence, but this team is out of gas. Devin Carter is all kinds of banged up. Friars got outscored at home by 14 in the second half. Good bubble win for Villanova.
Villanova gets a HUGE 71-60 road win at Providence. Wildcats have now won 6 of their last 8 - including a sweep of the Friars. ‘Nova probably moved itself from First 4 Out to First 4 In with that victory. Neither team safe, though, as we go down the stretch and into Big…
Credit where it's due: I've been critical of Kyle Neptune and Villanova. Well, they've now won 6 of 7 (only loss at UConn), just won at PC. Still have work to do to get into the field - but they're playing their best basketball when it matters most and will be dangerous at MSG
Villanova goes into Providence and knocks off the Friars in a huge BUBBLE BATTLE. Wildcats have won five of six. Massive week coming up: at Seton Hall, vs. Creighton. Edge for BE tourney bye, too. Providence go 0-2 this week. Metrics not great, but no bad losses, five Q1 wins.
A much needed competent second half for Villanova and Kyle Neptune! Any win at the AMP is impressive, this one especially so considering the Bubble implications
Huge road win for Villanova in a bubble showdown with Providence. Wildcats now 4-8 in Quad 1 games with two left in the regular season against Seton Hall and Creighton.
Justin Moore starting to look more like Justin Moore. Huge win at Providence for Villanova, which will likely give St. John's a fifth Quad 1 win. #sjubb
18-2 out of the gates in the second half by Villanova. What a response… Hausen making a difference with his ability to space the floor.
Right into the biggest bubble battle of the day: Villanova at Providence. First Four Out at Last Four In.
Smith said specifically in the first half, and during some stretches in the second half, his defense was really solid and much-improved. Said his team made it hard for Stanford, especially behind the 3-point line.