Georgetown Routs #4 Villanova by 20 Points

Up to this point, fourth ranked Villanova has set the pace in the Big East Conference this season. Going into their game at Georgetown on January 19th, the Wildcats were 17-1 overall and 4-1 in the conference, with an overtime loss at Seton Hall the only blemish on their record.

But Georgetown sent Villanova a message that there would be no cruising to the Big East championship, beating the Wildcats 78-58.

The Hoyas were led in scoring by guard D’Vauntes Smith-Rivera who had 17 points. Smith-Rivera leads Georgetown in scoring, averaging 15.1 points per game, and has had season highs of 29 points in two games. He’d average more than 15 except for the fact that when he goes cold, he’s really cold; scoring just five points against Creighton and nine against Radford earlier this season. Still, Smith-Rivera is one of the favorites for Big East Player of the Year, and is a player worth keeping an eye on. Forward Isaac Copeland also had 17 points for Georgetown. The Hoyas improved to 13-5 overall.

Villanova is probably still the team to beat in the Big East, but losses like this one at this one at this time of the season are not unusual and remind teams that complacency can be costly.