Kansas, Villanova seek return to Final Four

Though the NCAA Tournament is something of a spring ritual for Kansas and Villanova, their recent visits have been cut short.

So Saturday night’s Elite Eight appearance might have a new feel to it for both schools.

Kansas, the tournament’s No. 1 overall seed, is making its first Elite Eight appearance since 2012, when the Jayhawks reached the NCAA championship game before losing to Kentucky. Second-seeded Villanova hasn’t played in a regional final since 2009, when the Wildcats reached the Final Four.

As different as this extended stay might feel, both teams believe they are here because of experience and lessons learned from previous disappointments. They have been so impressive in the tournament, this showdown seemed almost inevitable.

Villanova Coach Jay Wright even compared it to a heavyweight fight on Friday.

“Both of us are playing our best basketball right now, and both of us have played pretty well during the season,” Wright said. “It’s one-seed, two-seed and teams that I think feel very good about how they’re playing. So I would say that’s a heavyweight matchup.”

The Wildcats (32-5) have won three tournament games by an average of 24 points, including Thursday night’s 23-point drubbing of No. 3 Miami in the Sweet 16. Villanova is shooting nearly 60 percent from the field in the tournament.

“They’re on fire right now,” said Kansas Coach Bill Self, who quickly noted that his Jayhawks (33-4) have been just as dominant.

Kansas needed a first-half rally against No. 5 Maryland before routing the Terps 79-63. Their performance didn’t surprise Self, who has often seen his team’s experience pay off this season.

Asked if it Saturday’s matchup feels any different, Jayhawks forward Landen Lucas said, “It does, but we’ve experienced so many pressure moments in games and situations like this this season. We know what it’s like to come out and compete at a high level, and we’ll get that done.”

More coaching updates

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