Michigan defeats defending champions Villanova number 8 on the road

VILLANOVA, Pa. – Seven months late, but it's really worth the wait.

Michigan, which lost to Villanova at the national championship last season, went on Wednesday to the newly renovated Wildcats home and made a statement early in the season.

The final: Michigan 73, Villanova 46.

Bill Finneran, the donor who gave his name to the Villanova Arena, went to the crowd at half-time and told freshmen that it would be "the worst match you'll ever face." go see".

This seems to be a safe bet.

Villanova, the country's No. 8, has only lost four home games in the last five seasons. The Wildcats defeated Michigan in San Antonio in April 79-62, for a second title in three seasons.

On Wednesday, Michigan (3-0), number 18, inflicted Villanova (2-1) his first defeat since February 24 in a surprising way. The Wolverines scored 12 of their first 14 points on dunks and easy layups. Michigan had a five-point possession in half of the first period while Isaiah Livers made a transition 3 while Villanova made a mistake under the hoop. Michigan kept possession and Charles Matthews hit a jumper to make it 22-8.

Later, Foies hit a 3. Poole stunned his defender before doing the same thing. Ignas Brazdeikis grabbed an offensive rebound and scored, no longer a foul. Zavier Simpson had a lot to say to the rookie as he helped her up. Michigan led 37-13.

After Livers missed a free kick, Matthews stole a pass under Villanova's basket and cashed it for the final half-time points. He smiles as he resumes his defense. Michigan led 44-17.

The margin has never been less than 25.

Matthews finished with 19 of 7 shots on 13. Brazdeikis had 18 shots on 7 out of 11. Michigan shot 51 percent in the team. Villanova, meanwhile, had only 14 for 44 (32%), including 3 out of 15 in the depths. The Wildcats made 21 turnovers. Michigan blocked six shots and made most attempts uncomfortable.

The 6,501-seat venue was sold for the 175th consecutive regular season game. But most fans attending the first national championship game since 2010 have been stunned. Villanova had easily handled Morgan State and Quinnipiac.

At the same time, Michigan beat the Norfolk and Holy Cross states with a combined score of 36%, compared to 9 out of 45 (20%). The Wolverines put the defense on the offensive Wednesday.

At the beginning of the second period, Jordan Poole stole a pass, dropped the ball before getting off the field and, realizing that he could not be the first to touch it, prevented several Wildcats from taking possession of the ball before Simpson can pick her up and find Livers for a layup.

A minor brawl after a Simpson robbery resulted in a common foul on Dhamir Cosby-Roundtree of Villanova and, surprisingly, a flagrant foul on Simpson.

Eli Brooks, a native of Spring Grove, Pennsylvania, praised his family and friends present when he hit a 3 to reach 17-8. He finished with five points and three assists.

Remote BC player Baird was on the field for Michigan at the end of the match, as was the end of the national championship.

Michigan's next game will be played Saturday against George Washington at the Pantheon Prognostic Tournament at the Mohegan Sun, a Connecticut casino.