CBB: Villanova Caps Off Incredible Year

Villanova was the best team in the country for much of the season, and that was capped off on Monday night with a victory over Michigan in the national championship game, 79-62, behind 31 points from Big East Sixth Man of the Year, Donte DiVincenzo. He was the best player on the court, even with guys like Jalen Brunson, Mikal Bridges, Moritz Wagner, and Charles Matthews joining him. Th sophomore guard finally got his spotlight game. This was an occurrence that wasn't surprising if you've been watching Villanova for the last five years. Jay Wright has found the ability to have scoring threats at every position on the floor.

If Brunson, the National Player of the Year, is having a bad game (which is pretty rare), then someone else will step up. Michigan was able to frustrate Brunson somewhat, as he notched a season-low nine points. But he doesn't care. Brunson was just as happy as everyone following the game, and was cheering for DiVincenzo all game long. This team lacks ego and pushes the guys next to them to be a better player. The Wildcats' Bridges also had a good game, dropping 19 points on 3-7 shooting from three-point range. Brunson, Bridges, Phil Booth, and DiVincenzo now have two championships in their careers, as Nova won it in all 2016 too.

As for Michigan, their run came to a screeching halt. They put on a great show in the Big Ten Tournament and NCAA Tournament, but it couldn't result in an upset over Villanova. The Wolverines had three players reach double figures, but besides them, there wasn't a lot of help. Muhammad-Ali Abdur-Rahkman had 23 points. Mo Wagner, who may be headed to the NBA, scored 16 points. And sophomore guard Zavier Simpson outscored his counterpart, Brunson, with 10 points of his own. Michigan had a great year, going 33-8, but Villanova was simply the best team in the country, and they're deservedly the national champions.

Photo Credit: Big Lead.