We established that the Battle 4 Atlantis is bringing drama this year, and Villanova’s second-round game against Tennessee continued to bring the intensity. Escaping the litany of “tournament second round” jokes, the Wildcats finished strong against the Volunteers 85-76 in Paradise Island.
Villanova’s path to victory was by no means readily established at the onset of the game. Although ‘Nova worked to set the pace in the early minutes, the Vols flushed through the Wildcats for the majority of the first half. Cutting through ‘Nova’s defense and openly splashing shots, Tennessee played with a urgent pace, ending the half on top 46-34.