Villanova awarded No.1 overall seed in NCAA Tournament, faces play-in winner Thursday

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East Region | Midwest Region | West Region | South Region

After winning the national championship in 2016, Villanova enters this year's NCAA Tournament as the selection committee's top-ranked team. 

The Wildcats (31-3) have been awarded the No. 1 overall seed in the tournament, playing in the East Region. 'Nova will face the winner of the play-in game between the Mt. Saint Mary's Mountaineers from the Northeast Conference (19-15) and the New Orleans Privateers (20-11) from the Southland Conference Thursday at 7:10 p.m. in Buffalo. 

Villanova is 10-1 all-time against the Mountaineers and 1-2 vs. the Privateers. 

Per ESPN, Villanova's 31 wins are the most by a reigning national champion.

Behind Josh Hart's 29 points, 'Nova blasted Creighton, 74-60, on Saturday to capture the Big East Tournament title (see story)

Duke (27-8) was named the No. 2 seed in the East Region after taking home the ACC title.

Kansas, UNC -- which Villanova topped in the championship game last season -- and Gonzaga round out the other top seeds.

Heading into conference tournament play, Kansas -- the top seed in the Midwest Region -- held the No. 1 ranking but was shocked by TCU, 62-63, in the Big 12 Championship quarterfinals.

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