Villanova came out on top on Sunday in Athens, Ga. beating the Lady Bulldogs, 63-58, in an exciting back and forth contest. This marks the third win in a row for the Wildcats, improving their overall record to 3-3. 

The Wildcats had a strong first quarter showing, shooting 53.3% from the field (8-15) and 50.0% (3-6) from beyond the arc. Despite a relatively quiet second quarter, Villanova went into the break leading Georgia, 28-27. The Lady Bulldogs responded with a 10-5 run in the third quarter to jump to a 37-33 lead. However, the Wildcats countered with an 11-5 run at the end of the quarter to control a 44-41 lead going into the final 15 minutes. 

During that final period, Villanova only made one three, but it was Raven James’s clutch shot with 39 seconds remaining that gave the Wildcats a 59-56 lead which they never again relinquished. 

The tight contest featured eight lead changes and seven tied scores, with no team leading at any point by more than six points. The Wildcats clearly held their own against the Lady Bulldogs, keeping Georgia to just 37.5% shooting from the field (24-64) and an incredible 5.0% from three (1-20). Most importantly, Villanova made defensive stops when they were needed most. In particular, junior Carmen Onken blocked the potential game-tying three with 17 seconds remaining and the rest of the team forced Gabby Connally of Georgia into a missed three with seven seconds to go. 

Individually, Mary Gedaka had an incredible performance scoring a game-high 21 points (9-15, 3-4 from three), while also handing out five assists and grabbing two rebounds. Raven James also had a stellar night, recording a career best 12 points in addition to nabbing a career-tying five rebounds and four assists. Freshman Maddy Siegrist continued her sensational season by contributing eight points and eight rebounds. 

The win marks the second consecutive season in which the ‘Cats have defeated Georgia. 

Villanova will be back in action on Wednesday Dec. 4, when the Wildcats travel to Drexel for a 5 p.m. tipoff.