From wire to wire, Saturday night felt like a coronation for Villanova. The Wildcats (-3) took on a tough Houston squad in the Elite Eight. Most expected a dogfight where Jay Wright’s crew would have to claw their way to earning every single basket, rebound and free throw. This game would be one of the best matchups of the Men’s NCAA tournament. That didn’t happen.
Instead, we got a clinical 50-44 Villanova win in a game that honestly never seemed close. As impressive as Houston might have been beforehand, a beyond efficient Villanova undressed them from top to bottom. It was their moment through and through.
And in the closing moments, with seconds left toward a berth in the Final Four appearance, the Wildcats tried their best to celebrate properly.
Wildcats win! Wildcats win! @NovaMBB, you're heading to the #MFinalFour! 🔥 #MarchMadness pic.twitter.com/Ow8BUNEOm5
— NCAA March Madness (@MarchMadnessMBB) March 27, 2022
#MFinalFour mood for @NovaMBB 👏#MarchMadness pic.twitter.com/P08FWgmjmq
— NCAA March Madness (@MarchMadnessMBB) March 27, 2022
Despite the joy and revelry, an unfortunate injury sullied the Wildcats’ festivities.
Late in the second half, one of Villanova’s best players, Justin Moore, suffered what’s been called a leg injury. Moore did not return to the game, and he didn’t leave Villanova’s bench either — even through the post-game celebration.
Moore’s teammates tried to console him as much as they could.
I feel terrible for Justin Moore pic.twitter.com/ZrS2Z9T10N
— BetMGM 🦁 (@BetMGM) March 27, 2022
Awful all around. You have to feel for the young man and his teammates who are hurting for him.
At the time of publishing, there is no word on the severity and exact nature of Moore’s leg injury, though it doesn’t look great for now.
Villanova is onto the Final Four and has established itself as one of the blue-bloods of modern men’s college basketball. If only their latest triumph could’ve come with a happy and healthy Moore.
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