College hoops keep it interesting

Games like this past week’s match up between No. 5 ranked Georgetown and unranked Villanova is why people watch college basketball. While one team has had the storied season, knocking off teams left and right, another team, who seems to be overpowered and overmatched, can pull off an upset that makes a statement. This is exactly what happened this past Wednesday at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia.

After having a miserable 2012 campaign (13-19, worst record in program history), the Villanova Wildcats are looking like a team wanting to make the NCAA tournament. In a game that saw the Hoyas turn the ball over 23 times, the Wildcats reigned victorious in a 67-57 upset. JayVaughn Pinkston had a team high of 20 points for the Wildcats, who in the past three games at home, have now knocked off three Top Five teams.  Darrun Hilliard scored 14 points for the Wildcats, while teammate Mouphtaou Yarou got 12 rebounds. Otto Porter Jr. was the top scorer for the Hoyas with 17 points. The Hoyas are currently 23-5, coming into the matchup on an 11-game winning streak.

Before Wednesday’s upset, the Wildcats had also beat two other Top Five teams. In their two previous games at home, Villanova bested then No. 5 Louisville and then No. 3 Syracuse. Though they are currently unranked, with another previous win over number 17 Marquette, the Wildcats are 4-2 against ranked teams, and are making a huge run toward an at-large bid into the NCAA tournament. Last season was the first time since 2004 that the Wildcats missed March Madness.

Georgetown has yet to drop below No. 5 this season, and was competing for the overall No. 1 spot in the NCAA before this loss. They also have a top seed in the Big East on the line. Georgetown is now tied with No. 6 Louisville for the top seed in the Big East Conference, and only two games ahead of No. 17 Marquette.

Photo courtesy of Storm Grounds