PHILADELPHIA – For about 30 minutes Friday night at the Wells Fargo Center, Xavier had its hand in Villanova's back pocket, hanging on for dear life, unwilling to let the defending national champion out of their sight.
It was arguably the best road showing of the season for the Musketeers, but it didn't last.
Villanova, behind one of the most efficient offenses in the country, kept knocking down shot after shot and the Musketeers, despite an impassioned performance, were unable to keep pace as the Wildcats pulled away 85-75.
Xavier cut Villanova's lead to 51-50 with 11 minutes left when the Wildcats rattled off eight points in about 90 seconds to take control of the game.