Villanova Wildcats guard Justin Moore (5) and Houston Cougars forward J'Wan Roberts (13) go for the ball during the second half in the finals of the South regional of the men's college basketball NCAA Tournament at AT&T Center. Scott Wachter-USA TODAY Sports

Villanova's Justin Moore suffers serious lower-body injury in Elite Eight win

By Mike Santa Barbara | Last updated 3/26/22

Late in Villanova's 50-44 victory over Houston Friday night, Wildcats guard Justin Moore left the game with a potentially serious lower-body injury.

Apparently the Moore injury occurred on the play where he got tied up late and the ball went to Houston. I thought he just slipped but obviously something more serious was going on there.
— Dan Wolken (@DanWolken) March 27, 2022

Deep into the second half, Moore attempted to drive toward the basket but fell to the ground awkwardly without being touched. He was later helped off the court by his teammates and did not return to the game.

Justin Moore injury. Watch at your own discretion pic.twitter.com/nmw44FDWha
— Wes Scheier (@HoopsClips) March 27, 2022

During the postgame celebration, Moore returned to the court on crutches. Later, sitting on the sidelines, an understandably emotional Moore was consoled by his teammates.

Justin Moore’s teammates immediately ran over to console him after exiting the game in the final seconds #MarchMadness @NovaMBB pic.twitter.com/47QecgXppI
— NCAA March Madness (@MarchMadnessMBB) March 27, 2022

While Villanova head coach Jay Wright reported that an X-ray revealed no broken bones, the team will give Moore an MRI when the Wildcats return home.

.@NovaMBB coach Jay Wright on junior guard Justin Moore's injury: 'The X-ray was fine - no broken bones. Probably not good for Justin. We're going to get an MRI when we get back.'
— Tom Moore (@TomMoorePhilly) March 27, 2022

Moore averaged 15.0 PPG, 4.9 assists per game and 2.3 assists per game, shooting 40.1 percent from the field and 35.3 percent from three this season for Villanova.

Before leaving Friday's Elite Eight matchup against Houston, Moore had eight points on 2-of-10 shooting.

Villanova may head to the Final Four without Moore depending upon the results of his MRI. The Wildcats will face the winner of Sunday's matchup between No. 1 Kansas vs. No. 10 Miami (FL) next week in New Orleans.

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