Game 18: Villanova University (16-1)
Jan. 18, 6:30 pm (EST)
Washington, DC
Capital One Arena (20,500)
Tickets? Yes
Media:
TV: Fox Sports 1
GU Radio: WJFK-106.7
VU Radio: WTEL-610
Game Notes: Georgetown
Game Notes: Villanova
About the Wildcats:
Location: Villanova, PA
Enrollment: 6,400
Conference: Big East
2016-17 Record: 32-4
Record vs. Georgetown: 47-56
Meet The Coach:
Jay Wright
(Bucknell '83)
17th season, 402-162
Career: 524-247
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Expected Starters |
Name |
Ht. |
Pts. |
Jalen Brunson |
6-2 |
18.8 |
Phil Booth |
6-3 |
11.9 |
Mikal Bridges |
6-7 |
17.5 |
Eric Paschall |
6-7 |
9.9 |
Omari Spellman |
6-8 |
10.1 |
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Team Stats: |
Points/Game: |
88.3 |
Points Allowed: |
69.6 |
FG Shooting: |
51.1 |
FG Defense |
43.1 |
3FG Shooting: |
41.2 |
FT Shooting: |
75.0 |
Rebounds/Game |
35.2 |
Assists/Game |
17.4 |
Turnovers/Game |
10.4 |
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Last 5 Games (4-1) |
12/27: VU 103, DePaul 85
12/30: Butler 101, VU 93
01/06: VU 100, Marquette 90
01/10: VU 89, Xavier 65
01/13: VU 78, St. John's 71
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Preview
Were it not for St. John's holding the Villanova Wildcats 14 points under its Big East scoring average last week in a 78-71 decision at Madison Square Garden, one would be tempted to say that maybe, just maybe Georgetown can sneak up on the Wildcats and steal one at home. But the Wildcats got the message Saturday, and won't be any easier to deal with as a result.
The Redmen outscored the Wildcats 40-18 in the paint, forced 17 turnovers, and were a creditable 14-17 from the line. And none of it was enough. Such is the margin to get by the #1-ranked Wildcats, who have shone in the modern Big East firmament while Georgetown's star has waned.
Wednesday's game figures to be a better test of where the Hoyas are at the midpoint of the season. Its only two conference wins come against the two weakest teams in the league, and they have not had to deal with a team with the mixture of scoring power and perimeter defense Villanova brings to the Capital One Arena Wednesday.
A three guard lineup has been trouble for the Hoyas in every Big East game to date. Villanova's lineup will be no different. 6-2 Jalen Brunson is the Big East pre-season player of the year and a Wooden Award candidate, averaging 18.8 points on a remarkable 57 percent shooting average. His assist to turnover ratio alone (3.7) should give Hoyas fans pause given its loose fingers with the ball, and Brunson also collects 5.2 steals per game. Brunson is ably assisted in the backcourt by Phil Booth, held to just five points against St. John's but scored 21 in a big win over Xavier. 6-7 Mikal Bridges plays the combo position well, averaging 50 percent from the field and 42 percent from three point range. The Villanova offense will provide plenty of opportunities for the three, or reserve guard Donte DiVincenzo, who would be starting on any other Big East team without question. DiVincenzo shoots 49 percent from the floor, 41 percent from three, and scored a career high 25 in Saturday's win at St. John's.
Georgetown needs a big game inside. The Wildcats may not need offense from its front line but it does need to stay on the court and, like Georgetown, stay out of foul trouble. Junior Eric Paschall (9.9 ppg, 7.3 rpg) has fouled out of just one Big East game this season and it was Villanova's only loss to date. He was held to just six points in the win over the Redmen and may be able to challenge Marcus Derrickson inside. Freshman Omari Spellman (10.1 ppg, 7.6 rpg) is already on his way to the Big East All-Freshman team but will face his toughest test of the season against Jessie Govan. Spellman is just 9 for 23 in his last four games and will be looking for some production especially at the foul line, shooting just 3 for 6 in Big East play.
Some lessons from Georgetown's loss to Seton Hall are worth noting heading into this game:
1. Stay Close Early: Georgetown does not have the maturity for sustained comebacks and has wilted when facing an early double digit deficit
3. Ball Control: Repeat after me: "reduce turnovers." Georgetown is 308th in the nation in turnover percentage at that won't cut it Wednesday.
3. Help At The 2: Neither Jagan Mosely nor Kaleb Johnson alone is going to be able to contain Villanova on the perimeter. A frequent rotation is essential.
4. Attack Inside: Villanova has not excelled with interior defense, giving up 42 percent from the field. GU has relied to date on Govan inside but the guards need to go inside and pick up points, but run the risk that the Hoyas get beat on the rebound and are caught in run-outs.
5. Fifty Five: A 36 point shooting average, as the Hoyas put in versus Seton Hall, is a recipe for a historic home loss. GU needs a 55 percent average to contend with a Villanova team averaging 92 points per game. Georgetown has reached a total of 92 in just one game this season (Mt. St. Mary's) and has not cleared 66 points in four of its last five.
One game won't settle the season. Georgetown needs to play well Wednesday and keep getting better, as one or perhaps two more games with the Wildcats await.