Survive and advance.

Villanova hasn’t been the team we knew when they won their two national titles. But against an upstart Saint Mary’s team, they came out strong in the second half on a 12-3 run en route to a 61-57 win over the Gaels. The Wildcats trailed by two at halftime.

Phil Booth led the way with 20 points and six assists, while Eric Paschall had 14 points and six rebounds.

It might have been good that Nova trailed by two at the half. Barely anyone was there.

The afternoon session didn’t end until after 7. Security opened the doors for people around 7:30 for a 7:45ish tip.

Up next for the ‘Cats is a much tougher opponent in #3 seed Purdue Saturday night at 8:40 PM on TNT. The Boilermakers crushed Old Dominion 61-48.

As for another Philly school, who could be the next head coach of the Hawks?

The Roundup:


The Flyers kept their already slim playoff hopes alive with a 3-1 win over the Blackhawks in Chicago. Corban Knight, James van Riemsdyk, and Sean Couturier scored goals for the Flyers.

Carter Hart made 40 saves for the fourth time this season, all of them have been wins. He’s also the first rookie netminder since Bill Ranford in 32 years he’s made 40 or more saves while allowing a goal or fewer and won. The Flyers are also 7-0 when Hart makes 37 or more saves.

Up next is a Saturday afternoon matinee against the Islanders. Here are the wild card standings:


Bryce Harper hit his first Spring Training home run yesterday against the Blue Jays. And another.

Back home, the old Vet Bell has a new home and it looks glorious.


The Eagles re-signed Vinny Curry to a one-year deal. I like the move.


After beating the Celtics Wednesday night, the Sixers continue to get ready to take on the Hawks Saturday night.


Here’s what the NCAA Tournament bracket looks like after the first day of the first round:

Three reasons why Duke, who plays tonight, won’t win it all and why a 16 seed won’t win a game this year.

Mike Trout wanted to be in Los Angeles all along.

The NFL settled with Colin Kaepernick and Eric Reid for less than $10 million.


In the news, Philadelphia Police displayed some of the 1,185 pounds (40 bricks) of cocaine they seized at the U.S. Customs House. Rick James:

Could the Mueller Report be released soon?