Villanova's amazing success at the Verizon (nee MCI) Center in Washington, the Hoyas' homecourt since 1998, remains difficult to explain. The only theory I can offer, is that perhaps given Villanova's checkered history of phone-call scandals, from 1996 to 2003:
that the basketball gods have decided - in partial compensation for those scandals - that the only venue in the Big East, named after a phone company, be one in which the Wildcats are destined never to lose...
On Monday, January 8, the Wildcats continued their pristine record at the Verizon Center, outlasting Georgetown once again, its sixth straight victory there. Villanova was the opponent when Georgetown opened the building in 1998, handing the Hoyas their first defeat there - and have now repeated the feat five times.
Most of the victories have been ugly, and this one was no exception, with the 56-52 score reflective of 1980s-golden-age-Big-East basketball than of 21st-century speed and highlight reels. But a win's a win, and Villanova especially needs road victories to qualify for the NCAA tournament. It was the Wildcats' first victory in conference play, and their record now stands at 1-2 Big East; Georgetown fell to 1-1 Big East, and both schools now have 11-4 overall records.
Scottie Reynolds had 16 points to lead 'Nova (and 16 points is a lot more significant when the score is in the 50s), and Shane Clark added 14. The young players' success offset a rare off-night from Curtis Sumpter, who scored only five points on 2-8 shooting. Georgetown's star didn't shine, either - leading scorer Roy Hibbert had only two points and didn't even take a field goal attempt. Another freshman stepped up for them - DaJuan Summers led the Hoyas with 14 points.
Georgetown appeared to have a secure lead at 33-24 in the second half. But then - in typical 1980s fashion - the Hoyas failed to score a single point for over six minutes, permitting the Wildcats to battle their way back into the contest. And accordingly, win at Georgetown - AGAIN!
Villanova returns to action on Saturday, January 13, at the Carrier Dome in Syracuse.
Questions? Comments? Information? You can e-mail villanova.viewpoint@yahoo.com.
Tuesday’s Arizin
4 years ago
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