/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/53530037/usa_today_9865085.0.jpg)
How to Watch
When/Where: Noon ET; Verizon Center, Washington, D.C.
TV: FOX (Gus Johnson and Jim Jackson)
Streaming: Fox Sports GO
Radio: 106.7 FM (D.C.) / 610 Sports (Philadelphia)
Bets are On
Villanova is favored by -7.5, according to OddsShark.
Series History
In this classic clash of Catholic schools, Georgetown leads the series overall 44-35. However, in most recent history, the Wildcats have nabbed victory over the Hoyas eight out of the last ten games.
Interestingly, in the last ten games, Georgetown grabbed the W in both games occurring at the Verizon Center. Once in 2012, and again in 2015, Georgetown managed to quiet ‘Nova by at least 20 points.
Noteworthy Juice
For the Wildcats, the biggest story is the return of big man Darryl Reynolds. The 6-foot-9 senior forward has been an absent force for ‘Nova, missing the past five games due to a rib injury. In fact, Reynolds’ last game for the Wildcats was against Georgetown on Feb. 7 at the Pavilion.
Senior Josh Hart leads Villanova in scoring and rebounding, averaging 18.6 points and 6.5 rebounds per game. Expect Hart to close out the regular season continuing to bolster his already-strong case for Player of the Year. Sophomore Jalen Brunson is averaging a cool 14.7 points per game, joining Hart in offensive lethality. Fans can fairly anticipate Brunson’s cerebral touch in creating, and executing, shots against the Hoyas.
This final game of the regular conference season also marks Senior Day for Georgetown’s squad. Coming off a four-game losing streak, perhaps some “Senior Day magic” may amp the Hoyas on their quest to end the regular season without adding another loss to their less-than-satisfactory 14-16 season record, and dismal 5-12 record in Big East action.
Facing a burgeoning amount of distaste for coach John Thompson III, Georgetown’s need for an upset is paramount, if only for the sake of salvaging reputation. Luckily for the Hoyas, such an upset is not completely outside the realm of possibility. In their previous Feb. 7 meeting, Georgetown outscored Villanova 36-32 in the second half. Despite ultimately losing to ‘Nova 75-64, the Hoyas worked the Wildcats to the final minutes and displayed a steely grit that could serve Georgetown well if channeled in this game.