On Saturday, Feb. 7, Villanova Women’s basketball (19-5, 11-3 Big East) defeated Georgetown University at home, 67-55. The victory extends the Wildcats’ win streak at the Finneran Pavilion to 11 games and their overall win streak to four games.
At halftime, the Athletics department honored former women’s basketball head coach Harry Peretta. During his 42 year-long career at Villanova, Peretta served as a coach to current head coach Denise Dillon from 1993 to 1996.
“You see that the atmosphere here, the crowd, just the support that we get, it’s unbelievable,” head coach Denise Dillon said. “It wasn’t always like this in the Pavilion, and to feel that energy and excitement, it’s something that every player thrives off.”
Following the loss, the Hoyas’ losing streak grows to four games. They currently sit at seventh place in the Big East with a conference record of 5-10.
The last time the two met was earlier this season in Washington, D.C., on Dec. 4, where the ‘Cats claimed a 76-69 victory.
Sophomore guard Jasmine Bascoe led the way for Villanova’s offense, scoring 13 of her 19 points in the first half. Freshman guard Kennedy Henry led the Wildcats defensively, picking up four steals.
Georgetown’s leading scorer was junior guard Khia Miller, who posted 12 points during the 40 minutes of play.
The Wildcats started the game off hot, going on a 10-0 run early in the first quarter, in which the head coach of the Hoyas, Darnell Haney, called a timeout with 5:10 left to go.
Bascoe got it started from beyond the arc for Villanova, while junior guard Kelsey Joens added another from deep possessions later. Senior forward Denae Carter made an impact early on with a steal followed by a bucket in the fast break.
At the half, the ‘Cats were up, 30-24 after forcing 12 turnovers in just the first 20 minutes of play, something the team has found success in all season long.
“The main focus is always on the defensive end,” Dillon said. “We know that we have a chance to be competitive and the opportunity to be successful if we are locked in on the defensive end, and it’s always about the pieces that you have.”
Villanova was also able to shoot 4-10 (40%) from three in the first half, two of those coming from Senior guard Ryanne Allen. In comparison, the Hoyas only shot 2-6 (33.3%).
To start the second half of play, Bascoe and Joens scored two quick layups for the Wildcats, forcing Georgetown to call another timeout with 9:21 to go in the third.
In the fourth quarter, Villanova dominated the offensive end. The Wildcats hit a collection of threes, two coming from Henry and one from Joens, extending their lead to 14, with just five minutes left to go.
The Wildcats are scheduled to take on Xavier University next on Wednesday, Feb. 11. Villanova will travel to Cincinnati, OH, to take on the Musketeers at 7 p.m. (ESPN +). In their last meeting, on Jan. 8, the Wildcats defeated Xavier by 17 points, 67-50. Villanova currently holds an 18-game win streak against the Musketeers.
