Saint Mary's vs. Villanova

The defending National Champion Villanova Wildcats will make the trip to the XL Center in Hartford, CT to open their run at defending the title against Saint Mary's. Villanova finished a somewhat disappointing 25-9 on the season and maybe a bit vulnerable this season. Defending Champs have really struggled the following year in the NCAA Tournament. Since 2007 when Florida pulled off the repeat, no defending Champion has ever gotten past the sweet 16. St. Mary's beat #1 Gonzaga to win the West Coast Conference Championship and proved they can play with anyone. Back St. Mary's in this one.