No. 1 Villanova vs. No. 3 Texas Tech: Game Time, Channel, Betting Line, Prediction
DALLAS, TX - MARCH 17: Head coach Chris Beard of the Texas Tech Red Raiders calls out instructions in the first half against the Florida Gators during the second round of the 2018 NCAA Tournament at the American Airlines Center on March 17, 2018 in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
No. 1 seed Villanova will take on No. 3 seed Texas Tech in the final game of the East Region on Sunday. The Elite Eight game will be played at TD Garden in Boston. Tip time is set for 2:20 p.m. ET.
Preview: The top-seeded Wildcats outlasted the rugged West Virginia Mountaineers 90-78 in the Sweet Sixteen on Friday. Jalen Brunson was outstanding, leading Villanova with a game-high 27 points. Omari Spellman (18 points), Mikal Bridges (16 points) and Eric Paschall (14 points) also hit double-digits.
The Wildcats are in the Elite Eight for the fourth time under Jay Wright. The last time was when they won it all two years ago.
Texas Tech, meanwhile, is in the Elite Eight for the first time in program history. Chris Beard's crew pulled away from Purdue in the second half and won 78-65 on Friday. Guard Keenan Evans led four players in double figures with 16 points.
Date: Sunday, March 25th
Time: 2:20 p.m. ET
TV Channel: CBS
Location: TD Garden in Boston, Mass.
Announcers: Ian Eagle, Jim Spanarkel and Allie LaForce
Opening Betting Line: TBD
Prediction: Texas Tech is here on the strength of its defense and balance. Villanova's offensive firepower has fueled its run. This should be a fun game.
Going into the tournament, Villanova was one of the favorites to win it all, alongside Duke, Virginia, Michigan State and Arizona. The Wildcats and Blue Devils are the only ones from that group to perform up to expectations thus far.
Villanova and Duke could also be heading for a clash in the Final Four. We think the Wildcats definitely get there.
Villanova is the pick.
