Rollie Massimino, at home sick in Florida, hopes to make title game

HOUSTON — Rollie Massimino, the former Villanova basketball coach who led the team to the 1985 NCAA title, was celebrating Villanova’s 95-51 victory against Oklahoma in the Saturday night — but more than 1,000 miles from here, at his home in Jupiter, Fla.

Massimino, 81, said a blood clot, kidney stones and his wife’s poor health prevented him from making it to the Final Four.

But he also said he hopes to get here in time for the championship game Monday night — 31 years after his team shocked Georgetown in the championship game — and hopes to know if it’s possible within the next day.

Villanova dominates Buddy Hield, Oklahoma 95-51, roars into title game

“It all depends on my wife,’’ he told USA TODAY Sports, adding that his wife, Mary Jane, would not be able to travel to Houston.

But Massimino said his five children and 13 grandchildren made it to NRG Stadium for Villanova’s victory and he talks daily to Villanova Jay Wright — and was looking forward to talking to Wright after the victory Saturday night.

“That is a great, great win,’’ Massimino said.

Wright said after the game that he spoke with Massimino earlier on Saturday.

"We would love to have him here, we really would," Wright said. "He's got some health issues, not major, but that he's dealing with with his family. ...

"If there's any way he can be here, he'll be here."