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The champs are here.
I know this Villanova team is different from the last few years. The nature of college basketball is that you win a title, then lose players to the NBA. Winning even two in a row is extremely different, and two in three years is just about as hard. This year’s edition of Villanoa is a step below the last few seasons.
They are still the champs, and will be until someone takes that from them.
Purdue didn’t play particularly well Thursday night, but it was enough mostly because Old Dominion had an awful night shooting. Nojel Eastern reportedly a full go and Matt Haarms is a definite matvhup advantage. Points will be at premium as both teams play at a slower pace. This is probably going to be a game where the first team to 60 wins, and Phil Booth vs. Carsen Edwards will be fun to see.
From: Philadelphia, PA
Date: Saturday, March 23, 2018
Tip Time: approx. 8:40pm
Location: Hartford, CT
Arena: XL Center (16,294)
Television: TNT
Online: March
Radio: Purdue Radio Network
SiriusXM Satellite: XM (Ch. 381); Internet (Ch. 968)
Live Stats: bit.ly/PurdueLiveStats
Odds: Purdue by 4
KenPom: 26
NET: 26
2017-18 Record: 36-4, 14-4 Big East
(National Champions)
2018-19 Record: 26-9, 13-5 Big East
(Big East regular season and Tournament champions)
Opponent Blog: VUHoops
Series with Purdue: Villanova leads 3-0
Last Villanova Win: 79-76 at Purdue on 11/14/2016
Last Purdue Win: None
NCAA Tournament History: 43 appearances, 3-time National Champions
Coach: Jay Wright (447-172 in 19th season at Villanova, 569-257 overall)