Nova Nabs 3-Seed in Philly

On Selection Sunday, Villanova landed the #3 seed in the East region of the NCAA Tournament. This is the fifth consecutive season Jay Wright has led the Wildcats to the field of 65. They will face #14 seed American University (24-7) out of the Patriot League. (I think that's their starting five pictured above, in front of our guys.) Most importantly, Villanova gets to play the first two rounds at their second home, the Wachovia Center in Philly. Should they win, Villanova will face the winner of #6 UCLA vs. #11 VCU. Also in the East region are #1 Pitt and #2 Duke. Is it too early to be dreaming of sending Greg Paulus home early in the Sweet 16? 

The last time Nova played at the Wach for the opening rounds of the tournament was as a #1 seed in 2005-06 when they won both games (58-45 vs. #16 Monmouth, 82-78 vs. #8 Arizona) en route to the Elite 8. The East looks like a difficult region, but I like some of the early match-ups for Nova, and I think they can potentially make a deep run. With the home court advantage, Nova should be able to advance to the Sweet 16 in Boston. However, you can't count out UCLA, who have made 3 consecutive Final Fours, and VCU scares me as a potential sleeper. More on our first opponent American to come later...