Georgetown (12-6) at Villanova (12-7)
- When: Jan 20 2025, 6:00 PM
- Where: The William B. Finneran Pavilion, Bryn Mawr, PA, USA
- Where to watch: Fox Sports 1
The Georgetown Hoyas are entering Monday night’s clash with the Villanova Wildcats as heavy underdogs, and for good reason. Georgetown, once riding high with a 12-2 start and three straight Big East wins, has now dropped four consecutive games and is battling significant injury issues. Villanova is favored by 8.5 points, with the total set at 136.5, and the Wildcats have every reason to cover the spread at home.
Georgetown’s Struggles
The Hoyas are reeling from their latest setback, a 73-68 home loss to DePaul, a team that snapped its 39-game Big East losing streak with the victory. Georgetown played without their top scorer and rebounder, Thomas Sorber, who is nursing a sore elbow, and long-range specialist Jayden Epps, sidelined with ankle and hamstring issues.
Without Sorber and Epps, the Hoyas struggled on both ends of the floor, trailing by double digits for most of the game. Sorber’s absence leaves a significant gap in the lineup, as he averages 14.2 points, 8.6 rebounds, and 2.5 blocks per game. Meanwhile, Epps’ inconsistent availability has limited Georgetown’s offensive rhythm over the past month.
Relying on Malik Mack (13.9 points, 4.8 assists) and Micah Peavy (13.3 points, 5.4 rebounds) is not enough firepower to overcome their current slump, especially against a Villanova team that thrives on efficiency and discipline.
Villanova’s Edge
The Wildcats are coming off a tight 75-73 victory over Providence, and despite recent road losses to St. John’s and Xavier, they remain a formidable force at home. Villanova boasts the ninth-best adjusted offensive efficiency in the nation, per KenPom, and is led by Division I’s top scorer, Eric Dixon, who is averaging an impressive 24.7 points per game.
Villanova’s long-range shooting is another factor that gives them the upper hand. The Wildcats lead the Big East with a 40.3% success rate from beyond the arc, with players like Wooga Poplar (14.5 points, 6.8 rebounds) providing consistent contributions.
Betting Outlook and Predictions
Villanova has all the tools to dominate this matchup. Georgetown’s recent struggles and injury woes make it difficult to envision the Hoyas keeping pace with a Wildcats team that excels in efficiency and three-point shooting.
Prediction:
Villanova covers the -8.5 spread with relative ease, taking advantage of Georgetown’s depleted roster and shaky defense. Expect Eric Dixon to lead the charge offensively, with Villanova controlling the pace of play. The total of 136.5 may also lean toward the under, as Georgetown’s diminished offensive firepower could keep scoring low.
Final Score Prediction: Villanova 73, Georgetown 61.
- NCAAB Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook
