The Wildcats defeated the Tar Heels 77-74, the team’s first national title in 31 years.
The Villanova Wildcats defeated The North Carolina Tar Heels 77-74 Monday night in the NCAA championship game, capturing their first national title in 31 years.
Villanova's Phil Booth shoots during the first half of the NCAA Final Four tournament.
David J. Phillip / Via AP
The game, held at Houston's NRG Stadium, was very close throughout the first half, with Villanova taking a somewhat larger lead in the second half.
But with just 4.7 seconds remaining in the game, North Carolina's Marcus Paige sank a deep three pointer to tie it up. Villanova's Kris Jenkins then responded with a wild 3 at the buzzer to win the title, 77-74.
The victory gave the Wildcats only their second NCAA championship, having won their only championship in a memorable 1985 final game when they upset Georgetown with a near perfect performance.
North Carolina opened Monday as a 2-point favorite over Villanova at multiple Nevada sports books. Going into the game, the Tar Heels had won the title five times in 1957, 1982, 1993, 2005 and 2009.
North Carolina advanced Saturday night after beating Syracuse 83-66 while the Wildcats pounded the Oklahoma Sooners 95-51 — the biggest margin of victory in a national semifinal game.
Villanova's Mikal Bridges dunks against Oklahoma Saturday.
David J. Phillip / AP
The game was very close during the first half with both team leading with double figures.
North Carolina's Brice Johnson goes up for a basket.
Eric Gay / AP
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