Wildcats whip Wolverines

DiVincenzo makes it rain as Villanova overpowers Michigan for second NCAA title in three years

SAN ANTONIO－When he wasn't dribbling behind his back, winking to the TV announcers, stuffing shots or dishing out assists, Villanova guard Donte DiVincenzo was making it rain.

First, 3-pointers.

Later on, confetti.

The redheaded kid with the nickname 'Big Ragu' came off the bench to score 31 points on Monday and lift the Wildcats to another blowout tournament victory－this time 79-62 over Michigan for their second title in three seasons.

The sophomore guard had 12 points and an assist during a first-half run to help the Wildcats (36-4) pull ahead, then scored nine straight midway through the second to snuff out the Wolverines.

DiVincenzo capped the second shooting skein with a 3-pointer from a step behind the arc, then punctuated it with a knowing wink over to the sideline, where TV announcers Jim Nantz and Bill Raftery were sitting.

Yep, he knew he could do it. And his teammates were more than willing to let him steal the show.

"If someone's hot, feed 'em," said Jalen Brunson, the NCAA Player of the Year, who finished with nine points and was perfectly fine with playing a supporting role on this night.

Villanova won all six games by double digits over its tournament run, joining Michigan State (2000), Duke (2001) and North Carolina (2009) in that rare air.

The last team to win its two Final Four games by 16 or more: UCLA in 1968.

One key question: Does Jay Wright's team belong on the list of the best ever?

Maybe so, considering the way Villanova dismantled everyone in front of it in a tournament that was dripping with upsets, underdogs and at least the appearance of parity.

Maybe so, considering the Wildcats won in seemingly every way imaginable.

This victory came two nights after they set a Final Four record with 18 3-pointers, and one week after they relied more on defense in a win over Texas Tech in the Elite Eight.

"We don't really look at it that way," Wright said. "We don't look at it as, did we just dominate that team? No. We played well."

And really, that debate's for later.