The Georgetown University men’s basketball team (13-6, 4-4 Big East) entered Monday’s matchup with Villanova University Wildcats (12-8, 5-4 Big East) on a four-game losing streak to both top and bottom teams in the conference, including Marquette University (15-3, 6-1 Big East), University of Connecticut (13-5, 5-2 Big East), St. John’s University (16-3, 7-1 Big East) and DePaul University (10-9, 1-7 Big East). Again entering as heavy underdogs after a series of tough losses, the Hoyas shocked with a comeback victory over Villanova of 64-63 Jan. 20. 

Georgetown started off the first half constantly swapping the lead with the Wildcats thanks to important 3-pointers from graduate guard Micah Peavy and critically made free throws from first-year center Thomas Sorber. The Hoyas started the game strong as in many recent games, but similar to some on their losing streak, the lead drained away toward the end of the first half. The Hoyas were outscored by the Wildcats 10-2 in the last four minutes of the half, entering halftime down 34-27.

Early in the second half, Villanova increased their lead to 13 points, their largest of the game. Georgetown’s chances of a comeback against their conference rival looked bleak. 

Although the Hoyas entered the game’s final 10 minutes down by double digits, they did not give up. However, Villanova’s perimeter defense seemingly did, as they allowed Peavy and junior guard Jayden Epps to combine for six 3-pointers in the second half and nine in the game overall between the two of them. This wave of shots beyond the arc seemed to be just what the Hoyas needed, encouraging the comeback attempt. 

To pair with the 3-point shooting, Sorber continued to get to the free throw line, cashing in nine of his 10 attempts and showing his determination to end the losing streak, shooting well above his season-average free throw percentage of 75%. 

Sorber was also a rebound machine in the second half, grabbing six boards, including the critical rebound that led to the game-winning shot. 

After Georgetown fought back to within two possessions with around two and a half minutes to play, Villanova started to get frustrated and play sloppy. The Wildcats turned the ball over twice during this period and missed every shot they took within the final four minutes. The abnormal quality of basketball for Villanova allowed Georgetown to stay in the game and eventually steal away the conference victory. 

Georgetown got the score within three points entering the final minute. Soon after, Peavy stole the ball and broke away for a crucial layup assisted by sophomore guard Malik Mack to get the score within one point. 

In the subsequent play and most important defensive stand of the game for the Hoyas, they did not let their fans down. Villanova’s leading scorer, forward Eric Dixon, took a jumper but could not put the game away and projected NBA Draft first-round pick Sorber grabbed the clutch rebound and immediately got fouled. 

Villanova then proceeded to foul twice more until the clock was stopped at 12 seconds with a Georgetown timeout. Head Coach Ed Cooley must have taken the opportunity to draw up a play for standout Peavy, because coming out of the timeout, Peavy scored a near buzzer-beater to win the game for Georgetown with 1.7 seconds remaining in the game. 

Peavy’s layup left only one second on the clock, but Villanova’s buzzer-beater game-winning attempt was in vain, as Dixon’s jumper missed the mark as time expired. Peavy not only won the game for the Hoyas, but ended their losing streak and provided them with the confidence they will need to finish the season strong. 

The Hoyas will play their next game away against the Providence College Friars (9-10, 3-5 Big East) on Jan. 25, hoping to carry the magic from their Villanova win with them.