Justin Moore's 3-pointer at 8 seconds left lifts Villanova past 24-point underdog DePaul in Big East
Villanova guard Justin Moore reacts after shooting the game winning three-point basket during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game against the DePaul in the first round of the Big East Conference tournament, Wednesday, March 13, 2024, in New York. Credit: AP/Mary Altaffer
NEW YORK — Justin Moore made a 3-pointer with eight seconds left in the second half and sixth-seeded Villanova escaped a huge upset by beating 24-point underdog DePaul 58-57 Wednesday night to advance to the quarterfinals of the Big East Tournament.
The Wildcats (18-14), desperate for wins to pad their NCAA Tournament resume, face third-seeded and 10th-ranked Marquette on Thursday night at Madison Square Garden.
Jalen Terry’s pull-up jumper gave the Blue Demons (3-29) a 57-55 lead with 1:13 left, but DePaul could not pad its advantage. Villanova was down two with 17 seconds left and came out of a timeout with a play that got Moore a good look from 3 and he swished the shot.
“Thank God for Justin Moore,” coach Kyle Neptune said.
Moore finished with 10 points as Villanova shot just 11 for 35 from 3-point range.
“In the moment, I just wanted to win. Big time players make big time plays,” Moore said.
DePaul rushed down the court with a timeout left, but couldn't get off a shot as Terry turned the ball over. The Blue Demons ended their season with a 20-game losing streak.
Villanova guard Justin Moore celebrates with his teammates after Villanova defeated DePaul in an NCAA college basketball game in the first round of the Big East Conference tournament, Wednesday, March 13, 2024, in New York. Credit: AP/Mary Altaffer
Terry finished with 18 points and 15 rebounds to lead 11th-seeded DePaul.
“I feel like we were more connected today than any other day. I don't know what it was,” Terry said.
The Blue Demons endured maybe the worst season in Big East history, becoming the first team to go 0-20 in the conference during the regular season. Coach Tony Stubblefield was fired in late January and replaced by assistant Matt Brady, who finished his stint as interim coach without a victory.
“Grateful for our guys for playing a 40-minute game,” Brady said.
DePaul forward Jeremiah Oden dunks against Villanova during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game in the first round of the Big East Conference men's tournament Wednesday, March 13, 2024, in New York. Credit: AP/Mary Altaffer
The Wildcats went up 52-50 on Eric Dixon's 3 with 4:43 left in the second half, but Elijah Fisher muscled his way inside for a layup to tie it with 3:25 remaining.
Dixon scored 21 points to lead the Wildcats.
Da'Sean Nelson put DePaul up 55-52 on a three-point play with 1:52 left, but Dixon responded with a straight-on 3 to tie it moments later.
