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Campuses Abuzz As Villanova Wildcats, Penn Quakers Head To NCAA Tournament

RADNOR TOWNSHIP, PA (CBS) -- Villanova and Penn students are back on campus Monday, fresh off spring break and after a major winning weekend.

The men's basketball teams won the Big East and Ivy League tournament respectively and they are both now headed to the big dance.

"Everyone is really excited about the draw that we got in the selection show," said Villanova junior Trevor Koerwer.

Ranked the top seed in the East, Wildcat basketball is just about all anyone can talk about on campus.

For Koerwer, it's in his blood.

"My dad went here, so I grew up on Villanova basketball," he tells KYW Newsradio. "He was class of '85, which was the first year they won, so I grew up with his stories. I have been obsessed since I was a kid."

The Penn Quakers have not made the tournament in 11 years.

And if they win their first game, they would make history as the first team ever as the 16th seed to beat a top seed.

Overall, Penn's campus seems to be clinging on to the underdog momentum.

"We have dogs on the court," Jonathan Gessner said. "We've got Philly grit and we're ready to take on Kansas."

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Sophomore Catherine Begier at Villanova says she too has been a fan her whole life.

"Everyone is healthy," she said. "I think their last two games, they have played some of the best basketball."

Junior Adam Rago believes the team will carry Philly's winning spirit.

"You look at like the Sixers and Flyers, both are killing it after the Eagles' win, so I think Villanova can carry the same momentum," he said. "I guess we are a little cocky going into it. It's always great to see us up top."

 

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