Kris Jenkins buzzer-beater gives Villanova NCAA basketball crown
By Andy Charles
Last Updated: 05/04/16 7:04am
This year's March Madness ended in dramatic style when Villanova claimed the NCAA Men's Basketball title with a buzzer-beating shot.
Kris Jenkins connected on a tie-breaking three-pointer as time expired to lead the Philadelphia college to a 77-74 victory over North Carolina in the championship game in Houston.
Villanova had not won the title since 1985, and their wait appeared set to continue when the Tar Heels opened up a 39-35 lead at half-time.
But the Wildcats roared back into the game after the break as they went on a 33-16 run led by back-up guard Phil Booth, who scored 20 points, and Ryan Arcidiacono, who added 16.
North Carolina, cheered on by famous alumni including the legendary Michael Jordan, staged a fierce comeback of their own and looked to have sent the game into overtime when Marcus Paige hit an off-balance three pointer to level the scores at 74-74.
But Villanova had time for one final play and handing the ball off to Jenkins proved a good call as his shot over a pair of North Carolina defender was judged to perfection, sparking wild celebrations among his team-mates.
"We put it in Arch's [Arcidiacono] hands," Wildcats coach Jay Wright said. "It's Arch's job to make a decision. Arch made the perfect pass and Kris Jenkins lives for that moment."
Arcidiacono, who was named the Final Four's Most Outstanding Player, said: "It's an unbelievable way to go out. That's just something that everyone dreams about."
