Monmouth makes most of play-in; Win vs. Hampton sets up showdown with Villanova.(Sports)

Byline: JOE KAY Associated Press

Monmouth 71

Hampton 49

DAYTON, Ohio - A Monmouth team with a history of being on the short end of NCAA blowouts opened the tournament on the other side of one.

Chris Kenny set an opening-round record with six 3-pointers Tuesday night, and 7-foot-2 center John Bunch entertained the crowd with his bulk and his blocks during a 71-49 victory over Hampton in the play-in game.

Monmouth (19-14) moves on to Philadelphia to play No. 1 seed Villanova in the Wildcats' back yard on Friday, looking to pull off that elusive 16-over-1 upset.

Even if they don't get it, the Northeast Conference champions …