UConn fans were victorious, but it was a different story for UConn bettors.
Connecticut survived a comeback by Villanova and the first-place Huskies won 66-65 on Saturday at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia.
The Huskies appeared ready to walk off the court with a 66-62 win, but as the final buzzer sounded, Wildcats guard Mark Armstrong offered a half-court prayer.
It's nothing but the internet. And heartbreak.
UConn is favored by 3.5 points in the Big East showdown.
That means Armstrong's seemingly pointless buzzer-beater allowed Villanova to cover the spread.
It didn't take long for social media to start complaining.
Guard Tristen Newton led the Huskies with a game-high 25 points.
For Villanova, guards TJ Bamba and Justin Moore each had 15.
UW has won seven straight games and improved to 17-2-7-1 in the Big East.
The Huskies, the reigning national champions, are 2-0 since becoming the No. 1 team in the AP Top 25.
With Hall of Fame coach Jay Wright at home, Villanova (11-7, 4-3) faced about 20,000 people at its NBA off-campus home with three National Championship flags in the rafters. They fought in front of their fans.
However, Alex Karaban hit a crucial 3-pointer with 2:43 remaining, and Villanova suffered its third loss in the last four games.
Hall of Famer Jay Wright will retire in 2022. AP
The Wildcats are still developing under second-year coach Kyle Neptune.
In Wright's prime, the Wildcats might trail or play close games against a team like UW, but they would make eight or nine threes and be on their way to a 25-plus win season. They may launch a game-breaking onslaught with the aim of getting one more big victory.
Under coach Dan Hurley, the Huskies have left no doubt about their place in the college basketball world.
The Huskies were strengthened by the return of star center Donovan Clingan, playing in his second game after missing five games with a tendon injury in his right foot.
The 7-foot-2 sophomore had six points and seven rebounds.
next
UW won't play again until Jan. 28 against Xavier.
The Wildcats play at St. John's on Wednesday.
— With AP
