Should Temple fans root for Villanova?

March Madness is starting to come to an end, but the intensity is just starting to pick up. The early rounds filled with small schools and upsets are over with, and some national powerhouses are gearing up to win a championship.

Temple got knocked out in the first round by Iowa, but that doesn’t mean people in Philly no longer have anything to cheer for. Waiting for us in the second round, ready to pounce, were the Villanova Wildcats. Philadelphia was potentially looking at a Big 5 matchup in the NCAA tournament and instant respect in the sporting world. Instead, they ended up playing Iowa and made quick work of them on their way to the Final Four. A matchup with college basketball’s biggest star, Buddy Hield, and the Oklahoma Sooners are their next challenger.

So this begs the question, “Should we, as Temple fans, be rooting for or against our Philadelphian rivals in the Final Four tonight?” I mean, when we did play Nova earlier in the season they obliterated us by nearly 20 points. We should be angry and spiteful and want them to lose, right? Most would say that’s what any loyal sports fan would do.

I think we need to pump the brakes a bit on this notion, though. Sure, we all hate Villanova, that much is for sure. When looking at the bigger picture, however, rooting for Nova tonight might actually be the thing to do.

Think about it: Philadelphia has been the laughing stock of the sports world for a few years now, and what better way to bring some much needed respect back than to bring home the NCAA championship? The Sixers sure as hell won’t be relevant anytime soon, and Temple doesn’t look like it’s going to be contending for the title in the foreseeable future. If you live in or around Philly and like basketball, I think the choice is clear: root for Villanova.

Do it, hop on the bandwagon. Abandon your sports-fan morals. Cross over to the dark side with me. Root for a team you hate, because it’s probably the closest you’ll get to a title until at least 2020 rolls around.

This won’t be for nothing, either; Nova has a real shot. Of the teams left (them, Oklahoma, UNC, and Syracuse) they’re one of, if not the most, complete team. They can score inside and out, defend and rebound well. Unless Buddy Hield goes absolutely insane and pulls another 37-point, 8-13 from three performance out of his ass, then Nova should  grab the “W” in this one.

I know it feels wrong, but root for them anyways. And think about it: if they do win then just scoot on over to Villanova tonight, buy a T-shirt and pretend like you go there. Trust me – that’ll be a party you don’t want to miss.