Villanova, Temple fans look for tournament magic as teams prepare for next games

BRYN MAWR, Pa. (FOX 29) - Christian Keale was just a little excited to watch his Villanova Wildcats win the National Championship last year in San Antonio. He and his parents are all alumni. And, he already has visions of going back to the Final Four in Minneapolis.

"No, it never gets old. We love to celebrate, so all the way, we're going to win again!" exclaimed Keale.

Two national championships in three years and a Big East Championship three-peat.

"I think they're amazing," Keale said.

But, with four key players who lest last season for the NBA?

"Anything can happen. It's the Villanova way. It's the culture. It's how they play," Sean Hanley stated.

"I think it's their mentality and the way they're coached that gets them through each year just to stay strong and always do well," Amy Barrett said.

Last year's championship didn't go unnoticed as Milan Reed was choosing a college.

"When I applied to Villanova, that's when we were in March Madness, so then they won and I was like, 'Oh my God, I'm going to Villanova!'" Reed exclaimed.

And, more good news for Philly basketball. Temple keeps its March Madness dreams alive, squeaking in with a play-in game Tuesday night.

Coach Fran Dunphy, at the helm since 2006, will leave at the season's end.

"It was just his last home game the other day, so I'm sure it's really exciting for him, as well, to see his team go this far," explained Temple University junior Caroline McCloskey.

"I see huge potential in Temple's team this year. They're making huge jumps every single year. And, I'm ready to see an upset. Maybe a sweet 16, even? I'm thinking big! We're going places!" Temple senior Ryan Fritz said.

"I am ecstatic about it! I wasn't very confident, but now that we got a play-in game, and we're playing Belmont, we're gonna wipe away Belmont. We're gonna beat up on Maryland and we're taking it all the way to the Elite Eight!" Temple junior Jake Stengel exclaimed.