Arena #118: Finneran Pavilion - #8 Villanova vs. #18 Michigan

Sixth game in as many days took us to the Northwest suburbs of Philly this time and the campus of Villanova University for a highly anticipated National Championship rematch between the defending national champion Villanova Wildcats and the Michigan Wolverines from the newly refurbished Finneran Pavilion.  While this was technically the second game at The Finn as the locals call it now, it was the first big game and the fact that it was a national championship game rematch increased the excitement that much more.  I don’t know too well what Finneran Pavilion looked like before the refurbishment and before GQ Jay brought home two national titles in three years, but the entrance and concourse was a great display of Villanova’s basketball prowess over time and especially over these last 3 years with their trophies and championship banners on display.  The game however, was much more of a disappointment for both myself and all the Villanova fans in the building as the Wildcats were thoroughly pounded by the Wolverines from the opening tip.  The capacity crowd of 7000 or so was fully engaged at tip and the student section was going crazy, but all that ended quickly as Michigan jumped to an early lead and Villanova couldn’t buy a bucket.  I knew Villanova lost a lot over the summer, but Michigan was utterly impressive on the road in a very hostile environment for this one.

Main entrance to the newly refurbished Finneran Pavilion

Numerous banners honoring Villanova men's and women's Big East Championships hanging on the concourse 

Ribbon cutting ceremony pregame (naming donor Bill Finneran holding the scissors next to Jay Wright)

Capacity crowd hyped before the tip for this 2018 National Championship rematch

Scrum for the ball during the second half of action