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Villanova headed for a rematch with Baylor in next season’s Big East-Big 12 Battle

The Wildcats led at halftime of their NCAA Sweet 16 matchup, but the Bears rallied in the second half for a 62-51 victory, and won their next three games to capture their first national title.

Villanova forward Jermaine Samuels, trying to pass between two Baylor defenders in the teams' NCAA Sweet 16 game last March in Indianapolis, returns for another chance against the Bears when the two teams meet Dec. 12 in Waco, Texas.
Villanova forward Jermaine Samuels, trying to pass between two Baylor defenders in the teams' NCAA Sweet 16 game last March in Indianapolis, returns for another chance against the Bears when the two teams meet Dec. 12 in Waco, Texas.Read moreMichael Conroy

In a rematch of their NCAA Sweet 16 game last March, Villanova will take on defending national champion Baylor in the third annual Big East-Big 12 Battle on Dec. 12 in Waco, Texas.

The Wildcats, winners of the 2016 and 2018 national championships, held a 30-23 halftime lead over the Bears on March 27 at Hinkle Fieldhouse in Indianapolis but were outscored by 21-10 in the game’s final seven minutes and lost, 62-51. Jermaine Samuels scored 16 points and Justin Moore 13 to lead the Cats.

The Bears went on to defeat Arkansas, Houston, and Gonzaga to win the first national championship in their program’s history.