Villanova’s Donte DiVincenzo named NCAA tournament Most Outstanding Player

The Villanova Wildcats are the national champions for the second time in three years after a dominant 79-62 victory over the Michigan Wolverines in San Antonio that was keyed by 31 points from redshirt sophomore guard Donte DiVincenzo, who was named Most Outstanding Player by the Associated Press.

Want to know how good it is to be ‘Nova head coach Jay Wright? His champions had the nation’s Naismith Award winner as the college basketball’s player of the year in Jalen Brunson and the second bench player to win the tournament’s MOP honors. Louisville’s Luke Hancock also won the award in 2013.

DiVincenzo was a key figure in the game-changing run that vaulted Villanova past Michigan after trailing by seven points with 11 minutes remaining in the first half. Then he scored 11 straight points in the second half, all within a span of less than four minutes. The Delaware native scored in efficient fashion, needing only 15 shots to break the 30-point threshold. By connecting on 10 of those shots from the field, 5-of-7 attempts from beyond the three-point line, and 6-of-10 free throws, DiVincenzo did it all on offense.

He even added five rebounds, three assists, and two blocks, including a highlight-reel effort that showcased his remarkable vertical leap.

Donte’s Inferno, indeed.