Villanova Basketball: Wildcats shoot towards Final Four history

Behind a record-setting shooting performance, the Villanova Wildcats rolled past Kansas and into the National Championship Game.

Villanova didn’t have a key to their Final Four game against Kansas – they had three.

The Wildcats caught fire from behind the arc and never cooled down, drilling a Final Four record-setting 18 three-pointers on Saturday night. Unsurprisingly, they pounded the Jayhawks, 95-79.

The dominance started from the opening tip, with Villanova jumping out to a 22-4 lead in the early going. By the time halftime rolled around, the Wildcats had already made 13 three-pointers.

Kansas couldn’t adjust all night, never looking like a No. 1 seed. They tried to start matching the Wildcats from beyond the arc in the second half, but the effort proved fruitless.

The three-point differential is far and away the biggest stat of the game. But another key statistic was the passing clinic put on by Villanova, with the team recording 12 more assists than the Jayhawks.

Meanwhile, the Wildcats didn’t attempt their first free throw of the game until there was 8:48 left in the contest. It didn’t make a difference.

The only frightening moment for Villanova came about halfway through the second half. A collision with a Kansas player forced Phil Booth to the bench. He was able to return in quick order, however, assuaging the fear of Villanova fans everywhere.

Eric Paschall was unconscious from the floor, making 10 of his 11 shots. He finished the night with 24 points. Omari Spellman registered a double-double.

Kansas coach Bill Self may be questioned about leaving his reserve players on the bench; only seven players clocked minutes for the Jayhawks when the result was in question.

Regardless, Villanova’s historic shooting performance would’ve done the trick against any team. In addition to the Final Four record, they also shattered the previous season record of 442 three-pointers, with more to come.

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Should Villanova shoot like this against Michigan on Monday, a second national title in three years is all but assured.