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After upset wins; Siena, Villanova battle for "Sweet 16" berth

Mar 23, 2008 - 1:22 PM No. 13 Siena (23-10) at No. 12 Villanova (21-12) 12:10 pm EDT

TAMPA, Florida (Ticker) - Villanova and Siena were just happy to get a chance to play in the NCAA Tournament.

Now, both teams are looking for a spot in the "Sweet 16" when 12th-seeded Villanova takes on No. 13 seed Siena on in a second-round matchup out of the Midwest Regional on Sunday.

The Wildcats (21-12) appeared to be on the bubble for a Tournament berth after losing in the second round of the Big East tournament to Georgetown.

But, after getting into the field of 65, Villanova quickly proved it belonged, upsetting No. 5 Clemson, 75-69, in the first round. Scottie Reynolds scored 21 points and freshman Corey Fisher added 17 off the bench to pace the Wildcats in the victory.

Siena (23-10) booked its place in the Tournament by winning the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference championship with a 74-53 victory over Rider in the tournament final.

The Saints gained national recognition on Friday, outplaying No. 4 Vanderbilt from start to finish en route to a 83-62 victory. Kenny Hasbrouck scored 30 points to lead Siena, which shot 57 percent (26-of-46) from the floor and scored 29 points off 16 Vanderbilt turnovers.