Overview

• Eric Dixon scored 24 of his 28 points in the second half, including the decisive free throw with 18 seconds left, to lead Villanova to victory.
• The Wildcats erased a 12-point second-half deficit, showcasing resilience in a tightly contested quarterfinal game.
• USC's Saint Thomas and Rashaun Agee delivered standout performances, combining for 45 points, but their efforts fell short in the loss.
• Villanova's interim coach Mike Nardi praised Dixon's leadership and defensive contributions, including a critical rebound in the final seconds.
• The Wildcats advance to face UCF in Saturday's semifinal, with a chance to compete for the $300,000 tournament prize.