For the first time since 2013, the Villanova Wildcats have punched their ticket to the Big Dance.

After losing to Georgetown in the first round of the BIG EAST Tournament, the ‘Cats received an at-large bid from the committee. As the No. 9 seed, Villanova is set to play against No. 8 seed South Dakota State. The Jackrabbits won the Summit League Champ and boast a 26-6 record on the season.  

Villanova finished the season with a 22-8 record, good enough for third in the BIG EAST Conference. Alex Louin led the ‘Cats in points per game with an average of 12, followed by sophomore standouts Mary Gedaka (11.6 ppg) and Kelly Jekot (11.3 ppg). Juniors Adrianna Hahn and Jannah Tucker led Villanova in three-pointers made with 60 a piece.  

Head Coach Harry Perretta, is preparing for his 11th appearance in the NCAA Tournament. His best finish came in 2003, when the Wildcats made it to the Elite Eight.

Villanova vs. South Dakota State is set to tip on Friday, March 16, at 7:30 pm. The contest is being played in South Bend, IN and can be seen on ESPN2.