'Cats trounce 'Cuse to reach top-seed Hoyas

vs.

Villanova Wildcats (20-11, 10-9 BE) vs.
#9 Georgetown Hoyas (25-4, 15-3 BE)

Date: Thursday, March 13, 2008
Location: Madison Square Garden (New York)
Time: 12:00 p.m. EST
Television: ESPN

Georgetown coverage: Van Buren Boys || Hoya Saxa

Following Villanova’s exciting win against Syracuse, the Wildcats return to action Wednesday at noon to face regular-season conference champion Georgetown. The last time these two teams met, the outcome of the game was marred with one of the worst foul calls in recent memory, as Corey Stokes was called for knocking Jonathan Wallace out of bounds with one tenth of a second remaining.

While it is definitely helpful that the ‘Cats have beaten another bubble team in Syracuse, ‘Nova fans have been salivating for the opportunity to face the Hoyas again. If the selection committee can look favorably at Villanova’s misfortune against the Hoyas last meeting, combined with a solid performance (win or lose) on Thursday, I feel that Villanova will have its name called on Selection Sunday.

Georgetown is led by Roy Hibbert, fueled by the stoic and stable guards Jonathan Wallace and Jessie Sapp, and has considerable contributions from freshman Austin Freeman and sophomore forward DaJuan Summers. Through and through, Georgetown is bigger and more experienced at nearly every position.

Keys to the game

Contain Hibbert: The Hoyas use Roy Hibbert in the same way the San Antonio Spurs employ Tim Duncan: the offense runs through the center position. Hibbert essentially acts as a second point guard for the Hoyas, because nearly every offensive possession starts with Hibbert getting the ball down low and either kicking it out to his guards or creating his own offense. While Jay Wright's in-game planning has been under attack recently, there is no denying that he can stop Hibbert, as 'Nova has harassed Hibbert in several meetings throughout his career.

Limit GU offensive sets: Under Coach John Thompson III, the Hoyas run a very deliberate offense. In order to beat Georgetown, Villanova must limit the amount of time the Hoyas are in their offensive sets. While the 'Cats had their own trouble on offense last meeting, Villanova no doubt gave the Hoyas problems of their own, and only by a miraculous foul call was Georgetown able to come away victorious.

Protect the ball: If Villanova is able to limit the Hoyas' offense, the game then comes down to Villanova's offensive capabilities. Limiting turnovers and taking quality shots are just some of the things the 'Nova coaching staff must emphasize throughout the game. Hopefully the hot shooting of Anderson, Reynolds, and Stokes will continue for another day.

X-factors

Frontcourt: Hibbert and Patrick Ewing Jr. make up one of the most formidable forward combinations in all of the Big East, and Villanova's frontcourt will be hard-pressed to limit the damage. As the nation's premiere low post player, Hibbert has an assortment of pump fakes and back-to-the-basket moves. Pena and Cunningham must be careful to not get into foul trouble and play solid defense. Ewing Jr., an explosive player, is more athletic and physically imposing than Cunningham, and is a defensive force as a rebounder and shot blocker. Look for the 'Nova guards to take it to him looking for contact.

Foul shooting: Every point is important, so the 'Cats must shoot better on the line than they did against Syracuse.

Remember to predict the final score and offer your own keys to the game in the comments section below.