Villanova rolls into Second Round with 86-56 win over UNC Asheville

By RALPH D. RUSSO THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

10 years ago

Villanova guard Mikal Bridges dunks during the first half of a first-round men’s college basketball game against UNC Asheville in the NCAA Tournament, Friday, March 18, 2016, in New York. (AP Photo/Mary Altaffer)

Villanova forward Daniel Ochefu, center, goes to the basket against UNC Asheville forward Sam Hughes (31) and guard Kevin Vannatta (10) during the first half of a first-round men’s college basketball game in the NCAA Tournament, Friday, March 18, 2016, in New York. (AP Photo/Mary Altaffer)

Villanova guard Josh Hart, center, goes to the basket against UNC Asheville forward Sam Hughes (31) and guard Kevin Vannatta (10) during the first half of a first-round men’s college basketball game in the NCAA Tournament, Friday, March 18, 2016, in New York. (AP Photo/Mary Altaffer)

UNC Asheville guard Dylan Smith, center, drives against Villanova guard Ryan Arcidiacono (15) during the first half of a first-round men’s college basketball game in the NCAA Tournament, Friday, March 18, 2016, in New York. (AP Photo/Mary Altaffer)

NEW YORK — Ryan Arcidiacono scored 14 points, including a buzzer-beating 3 at the end of the first half, and Daniel Ochefu had 17 points inside as second-seeded Villanova beat UNC Asheville 86-56 Friday to roll into the second round of the NCAA Tournament.

The Wildcats (30-5) will face seventh-seeded Iowa or No. 10 Temple on Sunday in the South Region at Barclays Center, looking to reach the second weekend of the tournament for the first time since their 2009 Final Four run.

Dylan Smith led 15th-seeded UNC Asheville (22-12) with 14 points as the Big South champions bowed out quietly.

Kris Jenkins scored 12 and Jalen Brunson had 10 points for the Villanova, which spent three weeks at No. 1 this season but is under pressure to return to the Sweet 16.