Updated March 12, 2026
Big East Tournament play continues on Thursday night with a quarterfinal clash between Georgetown and Villanova at Madison Square Garden. Georgetown enters the game after extending its season with a first round win against DePaul, while Villanova steps in as the higher seed following a strong regular season that has kept the Wildcats in the NCAA Tournament discussion. Before tip-off from the world's most famous arena, continue reading to get my Georgetown vs Villanova prediction for this contest.
Georgetown kept its postseason hopes alive with a 63-56 win over DePaul in the first round of the Big East Tournament. The Hoyas controlled the glass and finished strong late in the game, showing the type of effort needed to win elimination games. Playing a second game in as many days, however, creates a difficult spot against a rested Villanova team.
Villanova enters the quarterfinals after finishing near the top of the conference standings and posting a solid overall record. The Wildcats also swept Georgetown during the regular season, winning 66-51 in January and 80-73 in February. Those games revealed a consistent edge in perimeter shooting and ball security that could again decide this contest.
The setting for this game also matters. Madison Square Garden has long been the centerpiece of the Big East Tournament, and experienced teams often handle the environment better. Villanova’s roster includes several players who have taken part in high-pressure games, which could help if the contest remains tight late.
Stat | Georgetown | Villanova |
|---|---|---|
Points per game | 74.2 | 77.6 |
Points allowed per game | 73.4 | 70.5 |
Team Field Goal % | 44% | 46% |
Rebounds Per Game | 35.7 | 34.8 |
Assists Per Game | 14.9 | 15.5 |
Georgetown deserves credit for surviving the opening round and showing determination against DePaul, yet the matchup becomes far more difficult here. Villanova already handled the Hoyas twice during the regular season and brings a deeper roster along with stronger shooting and defensive numbers. Georgetown’s ability to compete on the boards should keep the game from turning into a blowout. Villanova will win the game, but I'm taking the points with a Georgetown team that is tougher than they looked previously against the Wildcats.
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