Yesterday’s Action
Needing another marquee win on its tournament resume, Villanova put forth its most dominating effort this season in easily dispatching Georgetown, 67-57. JayVaughn Pinkston took charge for the Wildcats with a game-high 20 points, in addition to a career-high 5 steals. Villanova recorded 15 steals overall on its way to forcing an uncharacteristic 22 turnovers from the Hoyas. The turnover situation was the second biggest factor in the Wildcats’ victory, the first being the huge disparity in trips to the free throw line. Coming into the game ranked second nationally in both free throws made and attempted per game, Villanova more than topped its usual totals, going 30-42 from the line compared to a meager 4-8 for Georgetown. If Villanova keeps handily winning two of the four factors to success in turnovers and free throw rate, they’ll continue to knock off the titans of the Big East in next week’s conference tournament.
In a potential let-down game before a huge regular season finale against nationally-ranked VCU Sunday, Temple maintained its focus in easily dispatching Fordham, 74-55. The Owls put forth an outstanding defensive effort, holding the Rams to just 17 points in the first half and 34.4% shooting for the game. With just two regular season games remaining in his collegiate career, Khalif Wyatt did something he had never before accomplished: recording his first career double-double with 19 points and 11 rebounds. Temple actually had a poor performance from the outside, missing 12 of 14 from behind the arc, but smartly adjusted their attack and focusing on attacking the basket. The team as whole shot 22-29 from the charity stripe, with Wyatt leading the way with a perfect 10 for 10. With last night’s business taking care of, the Owls can turn their attention to VCU, where a win would cement their tournament spot in the eyes of the selection committee.
In the last week of the regular season, St. Joseph’s played one of its finest games, securing its largest margin of victory this season in an 81-44 win over the Rhode Island Rams. Rhode Island more than lived up to its reputation as a poor shooting team, shooting 29.0% from the field, including an almost comical 1-20 from downtown. Ronald Roberts, Jr. led the way for the Hawks with a double-double effort of 13 points and 11 rebounds. The win secures a spot for Saint Joseph’s in the Atlantic 10 tournament field. They will wrap up the regular season Saturday at Charlotte before heading to the Barclay Center for the first round next Thursday.
La Salle completed a season sweep of George Washington Wednesday night, cruising to an 84-70 victory. The Explorers shot exceptionally well in all aspects of the game, going 60.9% from the field, 12-22 on three-pointers, and 16-18 from the charity stripe. Senior Ramon Galloway dropped a game-high 29 points including a 4 for 7 effort from behind the arc. La Salle overcame another strong effort from the Colonials’ Isaiah Armwood, who recorded a team-high 18 points and 10 rebounds. The win clinches a first round bye in the Atlantic 10 tournament for the Explorers, who close out the regular season Saturday at conference leader Saint Louis.
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