March Madness Throwback: Villanova wins second National Title in two years as Donte DiVincenzo snaps off the bench

I’m not here to get into a “Is Villanova a Philly school?” debate. I’m just here to pay tribute to the legendary March Madness moment of the past.

Today is the official tip-off for this year’s March Madness tournament, and unfortunately, Philadelphia doesn’t have any representation in it. So, we will just all have to sit back and enjoy the basketball for what it is.

With the New York Knicks essentially reuniting the 2018 Villanova Wildcats team, I thought now was the perfect time to bust out this throwback gem.

Donte DiVincenzo lifts Villanova to National Championship victory

31 points off the bench in the Natty Championship will get you Final Four Most Outstanding Player

Donte DiVincenzo couldn’t miss against Michigan in the National Championship @betthehoops
pic.twitter.com/9w4yHvzzTp

— Barstool College Basketball (@StoolCBB) August 11, 2022

In a 79-62 win, Donte DiVincenzo came off the bench for Villanova and finished with 31 points, a handful of key shots, and defensive plays. He shared the floor with future NBA players, including Jalen Brunson and Mikal Bridges.

In what was Nova’s second National Championship in three seasons for Jay Wright, it certainly felt like we were witnessing a dynasty in college basketball. Unfortunately, Jay Wright decided to retire just shortly after the Wildcats lost in the Final Four round to the Kansas Jayhawks, who went on to win the whole thing in 2022.

As I type this in my 2016 “National Championship” t-shirt, it warms my heart to know I got to witness such beautiful basketball by a program that’s just 45 minutes from my home.