Approximately 1,560 miles separate Villanova, PA, from Houston, Texas. Listening to Nova’s players and coaches, Wildcat fans and classmates back home are right next to them.

   Welcome to the difference between spirit and body.

   “We feel the support,” said Coach Jay Wright, speaking for his troops. “We have felt the support throughout the entire tournament, but especially now.”

Once a 64-team brigade, the NCAA men’s Division I basketball tournament has been reduced to tonight’s two finalists – Villanova and North Carolina. The Wildcats are a two seed; North Carolina a one-seed. Most pundits have North Carolina finding a way to thwart the efforts of a Wildcats team that, two nights ago, set a new Final Four record for the largest margin of victory (44) against an Oklahoma team they had lost to by 23 way back in early December.

   What seemed unrealistic a few weeks ago now appears more than possible – dare one say, likely. Every aspect of Nova’s game threatens to topple the Tar Heels; then again, with North Carolina’s imposing front-line height and potent outside shooting, the same is true vice versa.

   In North Carolina, basketball trumps everything. Those who have embraced storied programs such as Duke, North Carolina State, and Wake Forest undoubtedly prefer for some team from North Carolina to capture the NCAA championship.

   Is the same true in Philadelphia?

   In the past two days, each of the other coaches in the Philadelphia Big 5 has staunchly professed unyielding support for the Wildcats. That might be expected because a fraternity truly exists among Wright, Temple’s Fran Dunphy, St. Joe’s Phil Martelli. LaSalle’s John Giannini, and Penn’s Steve Donahue, but its importance is not mitigated.

   Therefore, it is incumbent upon every Philadelphian – every true Philadelphians – to bleed Villanova blue in unison. It doesn’t matter if your affinity lies in being an Owl, an Explorer, a Quaker, or, dare it be suggested, a Hawk. Your coaches have spoken; time to follow suit.

   There is no need to actually wear a Villanova hat or sweatshirt, but tonight, starting at 9:19, stentorian vibes should be passionately sent to Southeast Texas from every corner of Philadelphia and its suburbs. Return to apathy tomorrow if you please, but tonight, for about two hours, shout encouragement for names such as Ryan Arcidiacono, Josh Hart, Kris Jenkins, and Daniel Ochefu, perhaps the same way you did back in 1985 for players like Ed Pinckney, Gary McLain, Harold Jensen, and Dwayne McClain. 

   After all, the Wildcats are attempting to win their second NCAA title while the Tar Heels are aiming to seize their sixth.

   Denying greedy Goliath yet another championship should be reason enough to root against North Carolina.

(John Knebels can be reached at jknebels@gmail.com.)