Hoyas Lose Regular Season Finale to No. 2 Villanova (photos)

In the season finale for both teams, the number-two nationally ranked Villlanova Wildcats, the defending NCAA champions, defeated the Georgetown Hoyas 81-55 before a crowd of 15,000 in a nationally televised game Saturday, March 4, at the Verizon Center in Washington, D.C. It was the 80th meeting between the two schools, going back to 1922. The Wildcats improved their record to 28-3 (15-3 Big East), while the Hoyas fell to 14-17 (5-13 Big East). It was a disappointing season for the Hoyas by any measure. Barring a sweep in the upcoming Big East Tournament, the Hoyas will finish the season with their first back-to-back losing record since 1973, causing many to speculate about the future tenure of 13-year head coach John Thompson III.

The game seemed a lot closer than the final score would indicate. The Hoyas closed to within 4 four points in the second half and, with just nine minutes to go, only trailed by six and had possession of the ball. But a pair of Josh Hart three-pointers in the space of 35 seconds quickly put the game out of reach. “Our defense disappeared” in the last eight minutes, said coach Thompson after the game. Villanova scored on 15 of 17 possessions down the stretch.

Rodney Pryor, Bradley Hayes and Reggie Cameron II were honored before the game with friends and family for their contributions to the Georgetown basketball program as part of Senior Day festivities. Pryor scored 21 points for the Hoyas, who have now lost five in a row. Georgetown will play in the opening game of the conference tournament on March 8 against St. John’s. The winner of that game will face Villanova the next day.

It was also the last local court appearance for D.C. natives Josh Hart and Chris Jenkins. Hart, who led team scoring with 21 points, attended Sidwell Friends School. Gonzaga graduate Jenkins finished with 19 points. Jenkins’s buzzer-beating three-pointer clinched the title for Villanova a year ago. Both Hart and Jenkins were on the Washington Post 2012-13 All MET Team.

Though lacking a dominant big man and rarely using more than two substitutes a game, the Villanova Wildcats combine a workmanlike defense and fluid ball movement, which at times bear resemblance to a choreographed ballet. All was on display on Saturday at the Verizon Center, when coach Wright’s team demonstrated why they have an excellent chance to repeat as NCAA champions.

*View Jeff Malet’s Georgetown-Villanova game photos from courtside by clicking on the photo icons below.*