HARTFORD, Conn. — Saint Mary's defeated Villanova nine years and one day ago to the date from Thursday but the same couldn't be said in 2019 as the defending national champion Wildcats scratched out a 61-57 victory in XL Center to end the Gaels' season.
HOW IT HAPPENED
Jordan Ford and Malik Fitts, the Gaels' top two scorers during the season, provided 13 points each to lead the team. Saint Mary's shot 42 percent overall in the loss and 36 percent from distance.
Saint Mary's went punch for punch with Nova from outside the arc as they were 8-for-22 while the Wildcats shot 8-for-20.