The Villanova Wildcats defeated the Houston Cougars to advance to the Final Four, but they may have lost Justin Moore to a ruptured Achilles.
The Villanova Wildcats are heading to the Final Four to the third time since 2016 after they defeated the No. 5 Houston Cougars 50-44 on Saturday. While the team did advance, they may have lost one of their key players to a ruptured Achilles.
As the Wildcats were looking to end a late comeback attempt by the Cougars, junior guard Justin Moore fell to the court and had to be helped to the sidelines by his teammates. The injury occurred on this play.
After the game clock struck triple zeroes, Villanova players immediately went over to Moore to console him. During the net-cutting ceremony, Moore emerged on the court with crutches. The team said Moore suffered a “lower leg injury.”
Justin Moore’s teammates immediately ran over to console him after exiting the game in the final seconds 🙏#MarchMadness @NovaMBB pic.twitter.com/47QecgXppI
— NCAA March Madness (@MarchMadnessMBB) March 27, 2022
Unfortunately, Justin Moore is on crutches here and leaving the floor rather than taking part in the postgame celebration. Very tough moment. Jay Wright just came over to hug him.
— Dan Wolken (@DanWolken) March 27, 2022
Justin Moore injury update: Villanova basketball star out for March Madness
UPDATE: Moore suffered a ruptured Achilles and is out indefinitely.
Villanova's Justin Moore has suffered a torn achilles tendon and is out indefinitely, per release.
— Jon Rothstein (@JonRothstein) March 27, 2022
It will remain to be seen what the exact injury diagnosis is. Villanova coach Jay Wright said, “it’s not good” and it’s expected his season is over as the Wildcats head to the Final Four for the third time since 2016 without him on the court.
Jay Wright told reporters that Villanova's Justin Moore had an X-ray and has no broken bones. Will get an MRI when the team returns to Philadelphia.
— Jon Rothstein (@JonRothstein) March 27, 2022
Wright on Moore: "Probably not good for Justin."
Moore averaged 15.0 points, 4.9 rebounds and 2.3 assists while shooting 40.1-percent from the field and 35.3-percent from the three-point line through 35 games.
Prior to his injury, Moore scored eight points (2-for-4 from 3-point line), grabbed two defensive rebounds and recorded one steal.
Villanova will face either the No. 1 Kansas Jayhawks or No. 10 Miami Hurricanes in the Final Four at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, La.
For more NCAA basketball news, analysis, opinion and features, check out more from the FanSided college basketball section to stay on top of the latest action.