Villanova is single-handedly trying to salvage a fairly dismal winter sports scene for Philly faithful.
Yes, I know that the Main Liners are not exactly every Philly fan's cup of team.
There are still bruised feelings over that whole Big East thing, with many locals still clinging to a feeling that 'Nova Nation 'big timed' them.
And lots of local fans still hold a grudge against former Villanova coach Rollie Massimino, blaming him for pulling the Wildcats out of those traditional Palestra dates while looking to play in bigger venues - with, of course, a bigger gate.
Fingers were pointed at Villanova for the tattered edges around the friges of the tradition of the Big 5 in the city.
But all that is past history.
Current history says Jay Wright's squad is playing phenomenal basketball, capped by a tense showdown with Kansas Saturday night. The Wildcats, led by senior point guard Ryan Arcidianico's nerves of steel in draining four foul shots at the end, then instigating a turnover on the defensive end, now have a date in the Final Four.
The Wildcats will face Oklahoma in the first game Saturday night.
You can be thankful for whatever you want. Me? I'm glad the Wildcats drew the early game, which will give us a lot fewer deadline headaches than that 9:30 second game would have created.
These two teams have already met once this year, and it didn't go so well for Wildcats. Oklahoma beat them, 78-55, back on Dec. 7 in Hawaii at the Pearl Harbor Classic.
Villanova will be seeking revenge.
Sixers fans might be seeking something else. They will get a full game to focus on Oklahoma star Buddy Hield, who would look great shooting the lights out for the Sixers next year.
For now, we're all Villanova fans.
Come on all you Temple and Saint Joe backers. Grit your teeth and say it:
Let's go, 'Nova.
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